FDA to Require Proof Antibacterial Soaps Work, Are Safe
Published at
iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday appealed to manufacturers of antibacterial hand soaps and body washes to demonstrate that their products are safe for long-term daily use and more effective than plain soap and water in preventing illness and the spread of certain infections.
Under the proposal, if companies do not fulfill this requirement to demonstrate safety and effectiveness, their products would need to be reformulated or relabeled to remain on the market.
“I’m delighted the FDA have taken a position here and outlined a path forward,” said Dr. Stewart Levy, a microbiologist at Tufts University.
Waterless hand sanitizers, like Purell, are not included because they have different ingredients.
Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio