FDA pulls OTC antibacterial soaps

Editor's Note

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on September 2 issued a final rule saying that over-the-counter (OTC) antiseptic wash products containing active ingredients can no longer be marketed.

The rule applies to products containing one or more of 19 ingredients, including the most commonly used triclosan and triclocarban.

The FDA says manufacturers did not demonstrate that the ingredients in the products are safe for long-term use or more effective than plain soap and water in preventing illness and spread of infections.

The rule does not affect consumer hand sanitizers or wipes or antibacterial products used in healthcare settings. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued a final rule establishing that over-the-counter (OTC) consumer antiseptic wash products containing certain active ingredients can no longer be marketed.