FDA Rule on Triclosan Promising, But Does Not Go Far Enough to Protect Consumers

Statement of Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter.

Washington, D.C.—"Today’s proposed rule by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that companies that manufacture triclosan should prove the chemical is more effective than soap and water is a victory for consumers."

"While this development is a step in the right direction, it is long overdue, and its outcomes will not take effect for a long time, as companies still have six months to comment on this rule, and another year to run studies on their products. Rather than leaving it up to corporations to protect us, the FDA should make companies prove that triclosan and similar products are safe before they go on the market. Since the long-term public health implications of triclosan have yet to be fully evaluated, this pesticide should be banned until it is proven safe.

"Originally developed for use in medical settings, triclosan is an antimicrobial pesticide used in thousands of products such as toothpaste, hand soap, face wash, body lotion, cosmetics, school supplies, athletic clothing and more. Triclosan has been linked to antibiotic resistance, and like Bisphenol-A (BPA), triclosan is a hormone disruptor that has been shown in animal studies to alter hormones, which could lead to problems like early onset puberty, reduced fertility and cancer."

Contact: Kate Fried, Food & Water Watch, (202) 683-2500, kfried(at)fwwatch(dot)org.