USA Bans Antibacterial Soaps

The United States on Friday banned some over-the-counter antibacterial hand and body wash products, with its Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning they are no more effective than soap and water, and could cause long-term harm.

The ban affects 2,100 products estimated to be about 40% of over-the-counter antibacterial soaps. The food and drug agency in America say the ban is mainly because these soaps contain chemicals which are no longer effective.

Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble Co and Colgate-Palmolive Co have said they have either reformulated or are reformulating their products to delete the most common of the 19 ingredients, including triclosan and triclocarban.

The ruling does not however affect alcohol-based hand sanitisers or antibacterial products used in hospitals and clinics.