What’s next?

Minnesota is clamping down on triclosan, an ingredient used in over 2000 consumer products including some toothpastes, antibacterial soaps and body washes. Gov. Mark Dayton signed a bill legalizing a measure banning triclosan-containing products in the state, which will go into effect January 1, 2017.

Triclosan has been incorporated in consumer products for more than 30 years, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A CDC study found triclosan present in the urine of 75% of the people tested.

The health effects of triclosan for humans are unclear. There is some evidence that long-term exposure to some ingredients in antibacterial products, including triclosan, “could pose health risks, such as bacterial resistance or hormonal effects,” according to the FDA.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/21/health/triclosan-ban-antibacterial/

What are the implications for your business?

Questions to consider:

• How are you going to phase out of triclosan if it is contained in your products?
• What message if any, will be shared with consumers?
• Is this the beginning of a broader ban on triclosan spilling over into additional states?
• Are you researching safer alternatives or should you start?
• Could this law affect other types of consumer products such as shoes and apparel?
• If so, do you know what type of antimicrobials are used in your products.

For help with any issue associated with chemicals, contact Amanda Cattermole at (415) 412 8406 or Amanda@cattermoleconsulting.com. We can help you develop powerful solutions that protect company and brand reputation and result in safer products manufactured in cleaner supply chains.

Tips and Insights is published bi-monthly and contains information to help you make informed chemical management decisions. Each post highlights a particular topic and includes questions you may want to consider for your business.