FDA Bans Antibacterial Ingredients From Soaps, Says They May Do More Harm Than Good
The ingredients will still be allowed in hand sanitizers as the agency collects more information.
NPR:
FDA Bans Triclosan And 18 Other Chemicals From Soaps
Consumers don't need to use antibacterial soaps, and some of them may even be dangerous, the Food and Drug Administration says. On Friday, the FDA issued a rule banning the use of triclosan, triclocarban and 17 other chemicals in hand and body washes, which are marketed as being more effective than simple soap. Companies have a year to take these ingredients out of their products or remove the products from the market, the agency said. (Kodjak, 9/2)
Bloomberg:
Most Antibacterial Soap Ingredients Banned From U.S. By FDA
The antibacterial ingredients found in many hand soaps will be banned from sale in the U.S. under a new Food and Drug Administration rule meant to curb unintended effects, such as bacterial resistance or affecting hormone levels. The 19 ingredients banned by the rule, including triclosan and triclocarban, will be prohibited from soaps, but not from hand sanitizers, wipes or products used in health-care settings such as a doctor’s office. Animal studies have show that triclosan alters the way some hormones work, the FDA said. (Armstong, 9/2)
The Hill:
FDA Cracks Down On Hand Soaps
The Food and Drug Administration is cracking down on antibacterial hand soap. The FDA on Friday announced a ban on 19 ingredients that are found in the “vast majority” of antibacterial hand soaps. Manufacturers will have one year to either remove the ingredients or stop selling the products. The ban does not apply to hand sanitizers. (Devaney, 9/2)
In other FDA news —
NPR:
FDA Examines Safety And Effectiveness Of Stem Cell Treatments
Hundreds of clinics around the country are offering to treat a long list of health problems with stem cells. The clinics claim that stem cells found in fat tissue, blood, bone marrow and even placentas can help people suffering from arthritic joints and torn tendons to more serious medical problems, including spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's disease and strokes. Some even claim the cells can help children with autism. But leading stem cell researchers say there's not enough evidence to support the clinics' claims. (Stein, 9/5)