Could antibacterial soaps be doing more harm than good?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that antibacterial chemicals in soaps and body washes may pose health risks and have called for a safety review of such products.

Recent studies indicate an ingredient in such products could scramble hormone levels and boost drug-proof bacteria. Manufacturers have until the end of 2014 to submit the results of clinical trials on their products, the FDA said. The new regulations would be finalised in 2016.