Common Antibacterial Banned in Minnesota

US Pharm. 2014;39(6):11.

St. Paul, MN— Minnesota has become the first state to ban products containing triclosan, an ingredient used in many antibacterial soaps and body washes. The law, which takes effect on January 1, 2017, states that this was done to “prevent the spread of infectious disease and avoidable infections and to promote best practices in sanitation.” Triclosan has been used in consumer products for more than 30 years, but its health effects are still unclear. Some studies suggest that the chemical could be linked to antibiotic resistance and hormonal effects. Last December, the FDA proposed a rule that would require manufacturers of antibacterial soaps to prove that their products are more effective than plain soap and water in preventing the spread of infection.