Industry associations defend anti-bacterial soap

By Simon Pitman

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Antibacterial soaps Bacteria Antibacterial soap

The Cosmetics Toiletry and Fragrance Association and the Soap and
Detergent Association have defended anti-bacterial soaps after US
health experts claimed that such products were no more effective
than regular soap and water.

The claim was substantiated by a panel of experts, who were initiated by the FDA to try and determine 30 years of confusion over whether or not anti-bacterial soaps are effective.

Alistair Wood, assistant vice chancellor at Vanderbilt University's School of Medicine said of antibacterial soaps and associated wipes, "There was no data I saw that showed antiseptic hand washing is any better.

Experts have said that if normal soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer could be a good alternative.

In response the industry has leapt to its defense, claiming that categorical evidence exists to prove that antibacterial soaps are more effective at keeping germs at bay.

"More than thirty years of research has proven that antibacterial products reduce or eliminate bacterial that can lead to commonly transmitted disease. As our presentation to the FDA demonstrated, these products play an invaluable role in the everyday lives of consumers,"​ the two industry associations said in a joint statement.

The industry associations went on to say that, although the laboratory studies had speculated over a link between antimicrobial products and bacterial resistance, there was no categorical evidence to prove this.

"At the heart of this discussion is the fact that every day, people face great potential for the transmission of harmful bacteria to themselves or others. Antibacterial products are proven to control the risks associated with exposure to potentially pathogenic organisms, providing consumers with a valuable extra measure of protection,"​ the joint-statement said.

Following the results of the panel, the FDA now has to make a decision on exactly how it will regulate anti-bacterial soap products in the future. On the basis of the panel's finding the FDA is thought to have a choice of actions which could vary between giving such products prescription status to ensuring labeling indicate the dangers of bacterial resistance.

The results of the FDA panel come in the wake of a Freedonia Group​ market report that shows that the demand for anti-bacterial ingredients for products such as soaps have risen steadily in recent years on the back of campaigns to increase health and hygiene awareness.

The report says that demand for such chemicals is set to rise 5 per cent annually to reach a market value of $930 million by 2009.

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