FDA to require proof that antibacterial soaps are safe

The Food and Drug Administration announced Monday it will require manufacturers of antibacterial soaps to demonstrate that their products are safe for long-term use or they will be forced to reformulate them.

Triclosan in liquid soaps and triclocarban in bar soaps are ingredients that give the products their antibacterial qualities and can pose health risks like bacterial resistance or hormonal effects.

The violating soaps will not be removed from the market immediately. If a product is found to contain these chemicals, clinical studies will be performed to find out what long-term health effects the soaps have. If the soap is deemed unsafe, the active ingredients must be removed.

The New York Times reports triclosan can interfere with the body's thyroid hormone, potentially hindering brain development and function.

Read more from the New York Times.