FDA to Take a Closer Look at Active Ingredient in Antibacterial Products

The Food and Drug Administration recently announced that the agency plans to take a closer look at the active ingredient in most antibacterial products, triclosan, because of possible health effects. In fact, according to recent research by the Centers for Disease Control, antibacterial products are so heavily used that triclosan is found in the urine of 75% of the U.S. population.

The FDA is particularly concerned about the potential health effects of triclosan because of the CDC study. Specifically, the CDC’s research revealed that triclosan may disrupt the body’s endocrine system and thereby creates bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

Currently, triclosan is extremely popular and can be found in almost any type of product—most soaps. toothpastes, socks, cosmetics, and even toys contain the antibacterial ingredient. However, because triclosan is found in so many products, it is also regulated by three different federal agencies: the FDA, the EPA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Furthermore, this isn’t the first time the FDA has tried to establish rules for the use of triclosan. Instead, the FDA has attempted for 38 years to complete that task without success.