Minnesota bans triclosan in hand soaps

Triclosan, a common ingredient in antibacterial hand soaps, sanitizers and other hygiene products, has been banned from use in Minnesota, after the governor signed a bill into law recently.

The bill, SF2192, states that “no person shall offer for retail sale in Minnesota any cleaning product that contains triclosan and is used by consumers for sanitizing or hand and body cleansing.” An exception is included for individual products that have secured specific approval by the Food and Drug Administration for “consumer use.”

Triclosan, which kills organisms by damaging the cell membrane, has come under scrutiny after some studies have suggested it could cause hormone disruption. But the FDA has not recommended consumers stop using products containing the ingredient, Time magazine reports.

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton signed the bill banning triclosan into law May 16. The ban goes into effect Jan. 1, 2017. 

Also on triclosan:

FDA looks at safety of antibacterial hand soaps

FDA updates website with triclosan information

Household antimicrobials raise allergy risks