The FDA actually gave them a chance!
In 2016, before taking action, they asked the antibacterial soap manufacturers to provide data from clinical studies demonstrating that their products were better than non-antibacterial washes in preventing human illness or reducing infection.
And you know what happened?
Nothing.
The FDA reported that either no additional data were submitted or the data and information provided were not sufficient for the agency to find that the ingredients at issue were generally recognized as safe and effective.
The FDA itself maintains that washing with plain soap and running water “is one of the most important steps” you can take to avoid getting sick and to prevent spreading germs to others.
If - you know - "By the Sea Soap Shoppe" soap :) - and water - aren’t available, your next best bet is an alcohol-based sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
