WASHINGTON, D.C., March 30, 2012 – In light of a Canadian government review of a key antibacterial ingredient, the American Cleaning Institute® (ACI, formerly The Soap and Detergent Association) reminded consumers that triclosan has a decades-long track record of safe and effective use in personal care and hand hygiene products.

After a preliminary screening assessment of triclosan by Health Canada and Environment Canada, officials there reiterated that triclosan-containing products are safe for consumers to use.

“Antibacterial soaps and washes play a beneficial role in the daily hygiene routines of millions of people throughout the U.S. and worldwide,” said Richard Sedlak, ACI Senior Vice President, Technical & International Affairs. “They have been and are used safely and effectively in homes, hospitals, and workplaces every single day.

“Furthermore, a number of governmental bodies in the U.S. and around the world have determined the safe uses of triclosan and the products containing it; product manufacturers must abide by those safety rules.”