Antibacterial soap is hogwash, says FDA advisory panel

Antibacterial soap is hogwash, says FDA advisory panel

WASHINGTON - A panel of federal health advisers has said that antibacterial soaps and washes are no better than ordinary soaps when it comes to fighting household illnesses.

The panel warned manufacturers they should prove the efficacy of their products before marketing them or else face an embargo on the same. The Food and Drug Administration has asked the panel to recommend whether there was any need to allow large-scale marketing of supposedly anti-bacterial soaps and hand washes. "There was no data I saw that showed antiseptic hand washing is any better," said Dr. Alastair Wood, chairman of the panel and assistant vice chancellor at Vanderbilt University's School of Medicine.

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The main fear over the proliferation of such products on the market is that they may promote drug resistance among commonly found bacteria. However, the FDA has not been able to solve this issue of over-the-counter products since the last 30 years and is hence asking the panel to recommend the best way to regulate these products. "Bacteria are not going to be destroyed. They've been here, they've seen dinosaurs come and go... so any attempt to sterilize our home is fraught with failure," said Stuart Levy, a microbiologist at Tufts University and a non-voting member of the advisory panel. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers, on the other hand received the panel's nod for they are definitely better at dealing with germs than plain soap.

But industry representatives argue that their products are safer than plain soap and protecting oneself is justified. They said that their products kill germs instead of just washing them away. The consumer has a right to choose, they contended. "The importance of controlling bacteria in the home is no different than the professional setting. We feel strongly that consumers must continue to have the choice to use these products," said Elizabeth Anderson, associate general counsel for the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association. However, if the FDA deems fit then these products would be forced to sport label changes and marketing restrictions.