The U.S. Food and Drug Association stated on April 8, 2010, that it is reviewing its stance on both the safety and effectiveness of the antibacterial chemical triclosan, due to recent studies that show the chemical altering hormone regulation in animals.
“Triclosan is an ingredient added to many consumer products to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination,” stated the recently updated FDA fact sheet on the chemical. “It may be found in products such as clothing, kitchenware, furniture and toys. It also may be added to antibacterial soaps and body washes, toothpastes and some cosmetics-products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).”
The full FDA press release can be found here, and the full FDA fact sheet quoted above can be read here. Further reading on the subject is available on this blog from the Chicago Tribune, which among other things explains how triclosan may be making its way into reusable grocery store totes, and this article from the Boston Globe.
