ACI Statement on FDA Consumer Rule on Antibacterial Soaps

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) released the following statement
in response to a final rule issued by the Food and Drug Administration
concerning consumer antibacterial soaps and washes:

“Consumer antibacterial soaps and washes continue to be safe and
effective products for millions of people every single day.

“Antibacterial soaps are critical to public health because of the
importance hand hygiene plays in the prevention of infection.

“Washing the hands with an antiseptic soap can help reduce the risk of
infection beyond that provided by washing with non-antibacterial soap
and water.

“The FDA already has in its hands data that shows the safety and
effectiveness of antibacterial soaps. Manufacturers are continuing their
work to provide even more science and research to fill data gaps
identified by FDA.

“In the coming year, ACI and its member companies will submit additional
safety and effectiveness data on the key ingredients in use in consumer
antibacterial soaps today: benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride
and chloroxylenol.

“It is important to note that this FDA rule does not affect consumer
hand sanitizers, antiseptic products used in healthcare settings, and
antiseptics used in food handler settings.

“Consumers can continue to use antibacterial soaps with confidence as
they have for decades in millions of homes, offices, schools, daycare
centers and other commercial settings.”

The American Cleaning Institute^® (ACI) is the
Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry^® and represents
the $30 billion U.S. cleaning products market. ACI members include the
formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in
household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies
that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and
oleochemical producers. ACI (www.cleaninginstitute.org)
and its members are dedicated to improving health and the quality of
life through sustainable cleaning products and practices.

Contacts

American Cleaning Institute (ACI)
Brian Sansoni, 202-662-2517
bsansoni@cleaninginstitute.org