Soap and water will do the job just as well.

Constantly washing your hands with antibacterial liquid soap may not prevent the spread of germs – and experts believe it may actually pose a health risk.

Active ingredients in products such as triclosan could interfere with hormone levels and bacterial resistance, according to a ruling by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Under a proposed rule out this week, the FDA is putting the onus on manufacturers to prove that their antibacterial cleansers are actually safer and more effective than plain soap and water.

International media reports said the FDA’s proposal comes more than 40 years after it was first tasked with evaluating triclosan and similar ingredients.

Supermarket shelves heave under the weight of antibacterial cleansers, the seemingly perfect remedy to keep the germs of the cold and flu season at bay. But microbiologist Michael Borg warns against excessive use of these products.

“What’s worrying are other studies that have raised the possibility that unregulated use of triclosan can contribute to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics,” he said when contacted.

However, Dr Borg defended the use of this ingredient and pointed to clear evidence that triclosan could provide benefits in specific situations.

It all boils down to risk benefit

In 1997, the FDA reviewed extensive effectiveness data on triclosan in some toothpaste formulations. The evidence showed that adding this ingredient was effective in preventing gingivitis.

Triclosan is also routinely used as a disinfectant wash for patients who are carriers of the antibiotic-resistant superbug MRSA on their skin – the disinfectant is very useful to help them get rid of this microbe, under medical guidance.

Dr Borg said this ingredient was also used to wash patients before operations to reduce the bacteria on the skin and decrease the risk of a post-operative infection of the incision site.

“However, there is no evidence that washing with triclosan on a routine basis provides extra health benefits over soap and water. There is even less benefit in incorporating it in other consumer products, like chopping boards,” he added.

Dr Borg does not believe triclosan is hazardous to humans. However, he acknowledges that animal studies have shown triclosan alters hormone regulation. Nevertheless, data showing effects in animals does not always predict effects in humans.

“It all boils down to risk benefit. Using triclosan for medical reasons provides far greater benefit than any minor risk. But if the benefit is not there, then the risk – even if miniscule – becomes important and should be avoided. It’s all a question of common sense.”