Ditch antibacterial soaps say Australian infectious disease experts, after US ban

Australian infectious disease experts have advised consumers to ditch antibacterial soaps after they were banned in the US.

The US Food and Drug Adminstration said manufacturers had failed to prove the cleansers were safe or more effective than normal products, and their long-term use could encourage the emergence of drug resistant-bacteria.

The Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases and the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control have welcomed the decision.

The products that have been banned contain 19 specific antimicrobial substances including triclosan – an antibacterial and antifungal agent found in consumer products, including toothpaste, soaps and detergents.

Studies have shown that triclosan can affect hormone function, damage the liver and kidneys, and is a suspected carcinogen.

Ramon Shaban, president of the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control, said: “We must consider every measure to slow the rate of antimicrobial resistance.

“Reducing the unnecessary use of such agents, in this case in products that are not used in clinical settings, is an important aspect of our collective efforts.”

Hand Hygiene Australia director Professor Lindsay Grayson said the US ruling related to over-the-counter consumer products, but the directive was consistent with the National Hand Hygiene Initiative recommendations for Australian healthcare.