Triclosan and triclocarban to be removed from over-the-counter antibacterial hand and body washes

Antibacterial soap may do more harm than good, FDA says

Summary

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, we, or the Agency) is issuing this final rule establishing that certain active ingredients used in over-the-counter (OTC) consumer antiseptic products intended for use with water (referred to throughout this document as consumer antiseptic washes) are not generally recognized as safe and effective (GRAS/GRAE) and are misbranded.

FDA is issuing this final rule after considering the recommendations of the Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee (NDAC); public comments on the Agency’s notices of proposed rulemaking; and all data and information on OTC consumer antiseptic wash products that have come to the Agency’s attention.

This final rule amends the 1994 tentative final monograph (TFM) for OTC antiseptic drug products that published in the Federal Register of June 17, 1994 (the 1994 TFM). The final rule is part of the ongoing review of OTC drug products conducted by FDA.

Bio-Tag – Triclosan image by finishing-school.

Sources and more information
  • Antibacterial Soap? You Can Skip It—Use Plain Soap and Water, fda, SEPTEMBER 2016.
  • FDA issues final rule on safety and effectiveness of antibacterial soaps, FDA News Release, September 2, 2016.
  • Safety and Effectiveness of Consumer Antiseptics; Topical Antimicrobial Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use, federalregister, 09/06/2016.
  • Antibacterial soap may do more harm than good, FDA says, pbs newshour, september 2, 2016.

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