Q: A couple of years ago, the FDA requested the makers of antibacterial soap prove that their products actually did what they advertised. Where does that issue stand?
—Larry Bundy, Hiawassee
A: The Food and Drug Administration is reviewing data submitted by the companies leading to a final ruling that is scheduled for Sept. 15, 2016.
The companies that produce antiseptic washes must prove that they can “support an antibacterial claim, or if not, they will have to reformulate (remove antibacterial active ingredients) or relabel (remove the antibacterial claim from the product’s labeling) these products in order to continue marketing,” the FDA stated in a 2013 release.
Manufacturers of antibacterial hand soaps and body washes came under scrutiny of health care and consumer groups, which claimed the antibacterial soaps and washes were “no more effective at preventing illness” than soap and water, the release stated.
Data also suggested the ingredients of some antibacterial products, including triclosan (liquid soaps) and triclocarban (bar soaps), “could pose health risks, such as bacterial resistance or hormonal effects.”
Hand sanitizers, wipes and antibacterial products used in health care settings aren’t affected.
“Due to consumers’ extensive exposure to the ingredients in antibacterial soaps, we believe there should be a clearly demonstrated benefit from using antibacterial soap to balance any potential risk,” Janet Woodcock, the director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in the release.
Andy Johnston with Fast Copy News Service wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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