FDA Updates Website Information on Triclosan

Following a letter sent by the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment regarding information about the status of FDA’s ongoing review of triclosan in consumer products, the agency has updated its website with information about the ingredient.

In January, Rep. Edward J. Markey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment, sent a letter to the FDA requesting information about the status of FDA’s ongoing review of triclosan in consumer products.

In responding to the chairman’s letter, FDA explained that, in light of animal studies raising questions about triclosan’s safety, the agency is engaged in an ongoing scientific review to incorporate the most up-to-date data and information into the regulations that govern consumer products containing triclosan.

The FDA does not have sufficient safety evidence to recommend changing consumer use of products that contain triclosan at this time. For some consumer products, there is clear evidence that triclosan provides a benefit. For other consumer products, FDA has not received evidence that the triclosan provides an extra benefit to health.

At this time, the agency said, it does not have evidence that triclosan in antibacterial soaps and body washes provides any benefit over washing with regular soap and water, .

The Soap and Detergent Association, which has formally expressed concern over statements made by the FDA on triclosan, said it will continue providing an informed perspective to the agency.

“The Food and Drug Administration has in its hands a wealth of scientific data showing a distinct germ killing benefit of antibacterial soaps containing triclosan,” the association said in a press statement.

According to SDA, two recent scientific papers have been published demonstrating the effectiveness of antibacterial soaps in comparison to non-antibacterial soaps. A substantial body of data demonstrates that over-the-counter (OTC) antibacterial hand wash products are more effective at reducing the risk of bacterial infection compared to washing with non-antibacterial soap.

Additionally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 76 million cases of foodborne illnesses occur each year in the U.S. The acquisition and transmission of bacteria during food preparation play a significant role in causing these infections, and published studies have linked outbreaks of gastrointestinal disease to poor hand washing practices.

Most importantly, these ingredients are used in products that play a beneficial role in the daily hygiene routines of millions of people. Antibacterial hygiene and cleaning products continue to be used safely and effectively in homes, hospitals, and workplaces every single day. Science-based risk analysis backs this up, thanks to the industry’s long-standing research and product stewardship efforts.

SDA said it would look forward to providing information to Rep. Edward Markey (D-Massachusetts), who has challenged FDA and EPA’s regulation of antibacterial ingredients and overall product safety.

“We want Congressman Markey to be aware of the wealth of high quality scientific data that has been provided to both EPA and FDA on the safety and efficacy of antimicrobial products,” according to the association. “Consumers can continue using antibacterial hygiene products with confidence. We strongly believe consumers should continue to have access to these beneficial products.”

SDA added, “We should be wary of over-interpreting FDA’s announcement and unrealistically linking the detection of minute traces of ingredients with concerns for ingredient and product safety. Additionally, it’s worth repeating that numerous scientific reviews have shown there is no real world evidence linking the use of antibacterial products to antibiotic resistance.”