Top Brands Continue to Use Triclosan while the FDA Studies Potential Dangers

By Mike Rozembajgier

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are studying the safety of triclosan, a common chemical found in in over-the-counter antibacterial soaps, deodorants, toothpastes and cleaning products.  If regulators end up declaring triclosan to be unsafe, the marketplace impact could be substantial, and it could lead to major product recalls.

Triclosan, according to a fact sheet prepared by Congressman Ed Markey (D-MA), can cause endocrine disruption and antibacterial resistance in humans.  It can also be toxic to aquatic plants and animals. Triclosan’s antibacterial property was first used by surgeons in hospitals four decades ago, but has since found its way into many consumer products.

One Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study showed that the chemical was detected in the urine of nearly 75 percent of people tested.  Because of the alleged harmful effects, Congressman Markey alerted both the FDA and EPA about the potential dangers of the chemical.  The FDA responded with a letter stating that current studies “raise valid concerns about the effects of repetitive daily human exposure to these antiseptic ingredients.”  The FDA is currently reviewing the use of these ingredients in products such as hand soap and will rule on their safety next year.  But the decision has already been delayed by several months.

According to a recent New York Times article, many top brands will continue to use triclosan in their most popular products while awaiting potential regulatory updates. Meanwhile, several nations, including Canada and Norway, already limit the amount of triclosan in consumer products and have strict labeling laws for products in which triclosan is allowed.  If the FDA takes similar action, the companies selling products with triclosan will have to quickly adapt their product supply chains and product labeling in order to comply with federal regulations.

It is crucial that companies still using triclosan begin examining their supply chains to ensure they have proper control over the amount of the chemical in their products.  Even though the FDA has yet to rule, the companies should take this delay as an opportunity to prepare themselves for the worst case scenario.  If they can get a handle on their supply chains now, no ruling will catch them off-guard.  Closely tracking the amount of triclosan in their products will help them manage any possible recall.

For the moment, the case of triclosan is hotly contested, with manufacturers insisting that the product, used in hospitals for decades, remains safe.  Consumers should keep an eye out for updates from the FDA.

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