The FDA, after years of evading activist and scientific inquiries into the actual benefits and risks of certain chemicals in “antibacterial” soaps, has finally taken action, demanding data showing efficacy and safety of these ingredients (this has nothing to do with hand sanitizers, by the way). The issues involved here are, however, more complex than it seems at first glance. As for efficacy, the FDA’s request seems clear: if a product is labeled “antibacterial,” it should be….antibacterial. The agency spokesperson says: … Read more.