FDA investigating risk from antibacterial product

FDA officials are reviewing triclosan — a common ingredient found in many antibacterial soaps, body washes, toothpastes and some cosmetics that is used to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination — after some animal studies suggested the ingredient may have damaging effects to the endocrine system.

Rep. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment, sent a letter in January to the FDA requesting information about the status of its ongoing review of triclosan in consumer products.

In responding to Markey’s letter, FDA officials said in light of animal studies raising questions about triclosan’s safety, the agency is engaged in an ongoing scientific review to incorporate the most up-to-date data and information into the regulations that govern these products; however, they added that they do not have sufficient safety evidence at this time to recommend changing consumer use of these products.

FDA officials wrote in a press release that although triclosan provides clear benefit for some consumer products, there is insufficient evidence that triclosan in antibacterial soaps and body washes provides any benefit over washing with regular soap and water.