FDA-Banned Antibacterial Soaps Must Be Removed From Store Shelves by September 2017

MARCH 10, 2017

In September 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implemented a ban on 19 chemicals typically found in over-the-counter antibacterial soaps, including the most commonly used ingredients – triclosan and triclocarban.

Manufacturers were ultimately unable to demonstrate that the ingredients were both safe for long-term daily use and more effective than plain soap and water in preventing illness and the spread of certain infections.

All over-the-counter soaps containing one of the banned chemicals must be removed from store shelves by September 2017. The rule does not affect consumer hand “sanitizers” or wipes, or antibacterial products used in health care settings.

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