[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 172 (Tuesday, September 6, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61106-61130]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-21337]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Food and Drug Administration

21 CFR Part 310

[Docket No. FDA-1975-N-0012; Formerly Part of Docket No. 1975N-0183H]
RIN 0910-AF69


Safety and Effectiveness of Consumer Antiseptics; Topical 
Antimicrobial Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use

AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, we, or the Agency) is 
issuing this final rule establishing that certain active ingredients 
used in over-the-counter (OTC) consumer antiseptic products intended 
for use with water (referred to throughout this document as consumer 
antiseptic washes) are not generally recognized as safe and effective 
(GRAS/GRAE) and are misbranded. FDA is issuing this final rule after 
considering the recommendations of the Nonprescription Drugs Advisory 
Committee (NDAC); public comments on the Agency's notices of proposed 
rulemaking; and all data and information on OTC consumer antiseptic 
wash products that have come to the Agency's attention. This final rule 
amends the 1994 tentative final monograph (TFM) for OTC antiseptic drug 
products that published in the Federal Register of June 17, 1994 (the 
1994 TFM). The final rule is part of the ongoing review of OTC drug 
products conducted by FDA.

DATES: This rule is effective September 6, 2017.

ADDRESSES: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments received, go to http://www.regulations.gov and insert the 
docket number found in brackets in the heading of this final rule into 
the ``Search'' box and follow the prompts, and/or go to the Division of 
Dockets Management, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pranvera Ikonomi, Center for Drug 
Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New 
Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 22, Rm. 5418, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002, 240-
402-0272.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Introduction
    A. Terminology Used in the OTC Drug Review Regulations
    B. Topical Antiseptics
    C. This Final Rule Covers Only Consumer Antiseptic Washes
II. Background
    A. Significant Rulemakings Relevant to This Final Rule
    B. Public Meetings Relevant to This Final Rule
    C. Scope of This Final Rule
    D. Eligibility for the OTC Drug Review
III. Comments on the Proposed Rule and FDA Response
    A. Introduction
    B. Description of General Comments and FDA Response
    C. Comments on Effectiveness and FDA Response
    D. Comments on Safety and FDA Response
    E. Comments on Individual Active Ingredients and FDA Response
    F. Comments on the Preliminary Regulatory Impact Analysis and 
FDA Response
IV. Ingredients Not Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective
V. Effective Date
VI. Summary of Regulatory Impact Analysis
    A. Introduction
    B. Summary of Costs and Benefits
VII. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

[[Page 61107]]

VIII. Environmental Impact
IX. Federalism
X. References

Executive Summary

Purpose of the Final Rule

    This final rule finalizes the consumer antiseptic wash proposed 
rule published in the Federal Register of December 17, 2013 (78 FR 
76444) (2013 Consumer Wash Proposed Rule (PR)) and amends the 1994 TFM 
for OTC antiseptic drug products that published in the Federal Register 
of June 17, 1994 (59 FR 31402). The amendment is part of FDA's ongoing 
rulemaking to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of OTC drug 
products marketed in the United States on or before May 1972 (OTC Drug 
Review). This final rule applies to consumer antiseptic wash products 
that are intended for use with water and are rinsed off after use, 
including hand washes and body washes.
    In response to several comments submitted to the 2013 Consumer Wash 
PR, FDA has deferred further rulemaking on three specific active 
ingredients used in OTC consumer antiseptic wash products to allow for 
the development and submission of new safety and effectiveness data to 
the record for these ingredients. The deferred active ingredients are 
benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, and chloroxylenol. 
Accordingly, FDA does not make a determination of general recognition 
of safety and effectiveness for these three active ingredients in this 
final rule. The monograph or new drug status of these three ingredients 
will be addressed either after completion and analysis of ongoing 
studies to address the safety and efficacy data gaps of these 
ingredients or at a later date if these studies are not completed.
    With the exception of the three deferred consumer antiseptic wash 
active ingredients, this rulemaking finalizes the nonmonograph status 
of the remaining 19 active ingredients intended for use in consumer 
antiseptic washes identified in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR. As 
explained, either no additional data were submitted or the data and 
information that were submitted were not sufficient to support 
monograph conditions for these 19 consumer antiseptic wash ingredients. 
Therefore, with the exception of the three deferred consumer antiseptic 
wash active ingredients, this rule finalizes the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, 
which proposed amending the 1994 TFM, with the remaining 19 consumer 
antiseptic wash active ingredients found to be not GRAS/GRAE. 
Accordingly, these 19 consumer antiseptic wash drug products are 
misbranded under section 502 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic 
Act (the FD&C Act) (21 U.S.C. 352) and are new drugs under section 
201(p) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 321(p)) for which approved 
applications under section 505 of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 355) and part 
314 (21 CFR part 314) of the regulations are required for marketing.
    In separate rulemakings, we are proposing conditions under which 
OTC consumer antiseptic rubs (products that are not rinsed off after 
use, including hand rubs and antibacterial wipes) (81 FR 42912, June 
30, 2016) and OTC antiseptics intended for use by health care 
professionals in a hospital setting or other health care situation 
outside the hospital (80 FR 25166, May 1, 2015) are GRAS/GRAE. 
Accordingly, this final rule covers only OTC consumer antiseptic washes 
that are intended for use as either a hand wash or a body wash, and 
does not cover health care antiseptics (80 FR 25166), consumer 
antiseptic rubs (81 FR 42912), antiseptics identified as ``first aid 
antiseptics'' in the 1991 First Aid TFM (56 FR 33644), or antiseptics 
used by the food industry. Those antiseptic products are not addressed 
in this final rule.

Summary of the Major Provisions of the Final Rule

A. Effectiveness

    As explained in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, a determination that an 
active ingredient is GRAS/GRAE for a particular intended use requires a 
benefit-to-risk assessment for that particular use of the ingredient. 
If the active ingredient in a drug product carries the potential risk 
associated with the drug (e.g., reproductive toxicity or 
carcinogenicity), but does not provide a clinical benefit, then the 
benefit-to-risk calculation shifts towards a not GRAS/GRAE status for 
that drug. New information on potential risks posed by the use of 
certain consumer antiseptic washes prompted us to reevaluate the data 
needed for classifying consumer antiseptic wash active ingredients as 
generally recognized as effective (GRAE). As a result, we proposed that 
the risk from the use of a consumer antiseptic wash drug product must 
be balanced by a demonstration--through studies that demonstrate a 
direct clinical benefit (i.e., a reduction of infection)--that the 
product is superior to washing with nonantibacterial soap and water in 
reducing infection (78 FR 76444 at 76450).
    We have considered the recommendations from the public meetings 
held by the Agency on antiseptics (see section II.B, table 2) and 
evaluated the available literature, as well as the data, the comments, 
and other information that were submitted to the rulemaking on the 
effectiveness of the consumer antiseptic wash active ingredients 
addressed in this final rule. The data and information submitted for 
these active ingredients are insufficient to demonstrate that there is 
any additional benefit from the use of these active ingredients in 
consumer antiseptic wash products compared to nonantibacterial soap and 
water. Consequently, the available data do not support a GRAE 
determination for these consumer antiseptic wash active ingredients.

B. Safety

    As explained in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, several important 
scientific developments that affect the safety evaluation of consumer 
antiseptic wash active ingredients have occurred since FDA's 1994 
evaluation of the safety of consumer antiseptic active ingredients 
under the OTC Drug Review. New data suggests that the systemic exposure 
to these active ingredients is higher than previously thought, and new 
information about the potential risks from systemic absorption and 
long-term exposure is now available. New safety information also 
suggests that widespread antiseptic use could have an impact on the 
development of bacterial resistance. To support a classification of 
generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for consumer antiseptic wash active 
ingredients, we proposed that additional data was needed to demonstrate 
that those ingredients meet current safety standards (78 FR 76444 at 
76453 to 76458).
    The minimum data needed to demonstrate safety for all consumer 
antiseptic wash active ingredients falls into three broad categories: 
(1) Safety data studies described in current FDA guidance (e.g., 
nonclinical and human pharmacokinetic studies, developmental and 
reproductive toxicity studies, and carcinogenicity studies); (2) data 
to characterize potential hormonal effects; and (3) data to evaluate 
the development of bacterial resistance.
    We have considered the recommendations from the public meetings 
held by the Agency on antiseptics (see section II.B, table 2) and 
evaluated the available literature, as well as the data, the comments, 
and other information that were submitted to the rulemaking on the 
safety of consumer antiseptic wash active ingredients addressed in this 
final rule. The available information and published data for the 19 
active

[[Page 61108]]

ingredients considered in this final rule are insufficient to establish 
the safety of long-term, daily repeated exposure to these active 
ingredients used in consumer wash products. Consequently, the available 
data do not support a GRAS determination for the consumer antiseptic 
wash active ingredients included in this rule.

C. Costs and Benefits

    This final rule establishes that 19 active ingredients, including 
triclosan and triclocarban, are not GRAS/GRAE and consumer antiseptic 
wash products containing these ingredients are misbranded for use in 
consumer antiseptic washes. Regulatory action is being deferred on 
three active ingredients that were included in the proposed rule: 
Benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, and chloroxylenol. The 
primary estimated benefits come from reduced exposure to antiseptic 
active ingredients by 2.2 million pounds per year. Limitations in the 
available data characterizing the health effects resulting from 
widespread long-term exposure to these ingredients prevent us from 
translating the estimated reduced exposure into monetary equivalents of 
health effects. The primary estimate of costs annualized over 10 years 
is approximately $23.6 million at a 3 percent discount rate and $27.6 
million at a 7 percent discount rate. These costs consist of total one-
time costs of relabeling and reformulation ranging from $106.3 to 
$402.8 million. Under the final rule, we estimate that each pound of 
reduced exposure to antiseptic active ingredients will cost $12.97 to 
$14.28 at a 3 percent discount rate and $16.36 to $18.02 at a 7 percent 
discount rate.

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                                                                  Total costs annualized
 Summary of the costs and benefits          Total benefits          over 10 years  (in     Total one-time costs
         of the final rule                                               millions)             (in millions)
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Total..............................  Reduced exposure to          $23.6 (at 3%).........  $106.3 to $402.8.
                                      antiseptic ingredients by   $27.6 (at 7%).........
                                      2.2 million pounds
                                      annually.
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I. Introduction

    In the following sections, we provide a brief description of 
terminology used in the OTC Drug Review regulations, an overview of OTC 
topical antiseptic drug products, and a more detailed description of 
the OTC consumer antiseptic wash active ingredients that are the 
subject of this final rule.

A. Terminology Used in the OTC Drug Review Regulations

1. Proposed, Tentative Final, and Final Monographs
    To conform to terminology used in the OTC Drug Review regulations 
(Sec.  330.10 (21 CFR 330.10)), the advance notice of proposed 
rulemaking that was published in the Federal Register of September 13, 
1974 (39 FR 33103) (1974 ANPR), was designated as a ``proposed 
monograph.'' Similarly, the notices of proposed rulemaking, which were 
published in the Federal Register of January 6, 1978 (43 FR 1210) (1978 
TFM), the Federal Register of June 17, 1994 (59 FR 31402) (1994 TFM), 
and the Federal Register of December 17, 2013 (78 FR 76444) (2013 
Consumer Wash PR) were each designated as a TFM (see table 1 in section 
II.A).
2. Category I, II, and III Classifications
    The OTC drug procedural regulations in Sec.  330.10 use the terms 
``Category I'' (generally recognized as safe and effective and not 
misbranded), ``Category II'' (not generally recognized as safe and 
effective or misbranded), and ``Category III'' (available data are 
insufficient to classify as safe and effective, and further testing is 
required). Section 330.10 provides that any testing necessary to 
resolve the safety or effectiveness issues that resulted in an initial 
Category III classification, and submission to FDA of the results of 
that testing or any other data, must be done during the OTC drug 
rulemaking process before the establishment of a final monograph (i.e., 
a final rule or regulation). Therefore, the proposed rules (at the 
tentative final monograph stage) used the concepts of Categories I, II, 
and III.
    At this final monograph stage, FDA does not use the terms 
``Category I,'' ``Category II,'' and ``Category III.'' In place of 
Category I, the term ``monograph conditions'' is used; in place of 
Categories II and III, the term ``nonmonograph conditions'' is used.

B. Topical Antiseptics

    The OTC topical antimicrobial rulemaking has had a broad scope, 
encompassing drug products that may contain the same active 
ingredients, but that are labeled and marketed for different intended 
uses. The 1974 ANPR for topical antimicrobial products encompassed 
products for both health care and consumer use (39 FR 33103). The ANPR 
covered seven different intended uses for these products: (1) 
Antimicrobial soap; (2) healthcare personnel hand wash; (3) patient 
preoperative skin preparation; (4) skin antiseptic; (5) skin wound 
cleanser; (6) skin wound protectant; and (7) surgical hand scrub (39 FR 
33103 at 33140). FDA subsequently identified skin antiseptics, skin 
wound cleansers, and skin wound protectants as antiseptics used 
primarily by consumers for first aid use and referred to them 
collectively as ``first aid antiseptics.'' We published a separate TFM 
covering first aid antiseptics in the Federal Register of July 22, 1991 
(56 FR 33644). In section III.E, we address comments filed in this 
rulemaking related to first aid antiseptics, but we do not otherwise 
discuss first aid antiseptics further in this document. This final rule 
does not have an impact on the monograph status of first aid 
antiseptics.
    The four remaining categories of topical antimicrobials were 
addressed in the 1994 TFM (59 FR 31402). The 1994 TFM covered: (1) 
Antiseptic hand wash (i.e., consumer hand wash); (2) health care 
personnel hand wash; (3) patient preoperative skin preparation; and (4) 
surgical hand scrub (59 FR 31402 at 31442). This final rule does not 
have an impact on the monograph status of health care personnel hand 
washes, patient preoperative skin preparations, or surgical hand 
scrubs. In the 1994 TFM, FDA also identified a new category of 
antiseptics for use by the food industry and requested relevant data 
and information (59 FR 31402 at 31440). In section III.B.4, we address 
comments filed in this rulemaking on antiseptics for use by the food 
industry, but we do not otherwise further discuss these antiseptics in 
this document. This final rule does not have an impact on the monograph 
status of antiseptics for food industry use.
    In the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, we proposed that our evaluation of 
OTC antiseptic drug products be further subdivided into health care 
antiseptics and consumer antiseptics (78 FR 76444 at 76446). These 
categories are distinct based on the proposed use setting, target 
population, and the fact that each setting presents a different risk 
for

[[Page 61109]]

infection. In the 2013 Consumer Wash PR (78 FR 76444 at 76446 to 76447) 
and the consumer antiseptic rub proposed rule published in the Federal 
Register of June 30, 2016 (81 FR 42912) (2016 Consumer Rub PR), we 
proposed that our evaluation of OTC consumer antiseptic drug products 
be further subdivided into consumer washes (products that are rinsed 
off with water, including hand washes and body washes) and consumer 
rubs (products that are not rinsed off after use, including hand rubs 
and antibacterial wipes) (78 FR 764444 at 76447). Consumer antiseptic 
wash products are intended to be used when soap and water are 
available, whereas, consumer antiseptic rub products are intended to be 
used when soap and water are unavailable, and thus, are left on and not 
rinsed off. To account for the differences between consumer washes and 
consumer rubs, the safety and effectiveness of the active ingredients 
are being evaluated for each intended use separately. This final rule 
does not have an impact on the monograph status of consumer antiseptic 
rub products.

C. This Final Rule Only Covers Consumer Antiseptic Washes

    We refer to the group of products covered by this final rule as 
``consumer antiseptic washes.'' Consumer antiseptic washes include a 
variety of personal care products intended to be used with water, such 
as antibacterial soaps, hand washes, and antibacterial body washes. As 
discussed further in section III.B.3, these products may be used by 
consumers for personal use in the home and public settings on a 
frequent, daily basis. In the United States consumer setting, where the 
target population is composed of generally healthy individuals, the 
risk of infection and the scope of the spread of infection is 
relatively low compared to the health care setting, where patients are 
generally more susceptible to infection and the potential for spread of 
infection is high.
    This final rule covers only OTC consumer antiseptic washes that are 
intended for use as either a hand wash or a body wash, but that are not 
identified as ``first aid antiseptics'' in the 1991 First Aid TFM (56 
FR 33644), health care antiseptics (80 FR 25166), consumer antiseptic 
rubs (81 FR 42912), or antiseptics used by the food industry. The 
distinctions between consumer washes and rubs, and between consumer 
hand washes and body washes are discussed in detail in the 2013 
Consumer Wash PR (78 FR at 76446 to 76447) and the 2016 Consumer Rub PR 
(81 FR 42912). Completion of the monograph for Consumer Antiseptic Wash 
Products and certain other monographs for the active ingredient 
triclosan is subject to a Consent Decree entered by the U.S. District 
Court for the Southern District of New York on November 21, 2013, in 
Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. v. United States Food and Drug 
Administration, et al., 10 Civ. 5690 (S.D.N.Y.).

II. Background

    In this section, we describe the significant rulemakings and public 
meetings relevant to this rulemaking and discuss our response to 
comments received on the 2013 Consumer Wash PR.

A. Significant Rulemakings Relevant to This Final Rule

    A summary of the significant Federal Register publications relevant 
to this final rule is provided in table 1. Other publications relevant 
to this final rule are available at http://www.regulations.gov in FDA 
Docket No. 1975-N-0012.

    Table 1--Significant Rulemaking Publications Related To Consumer
                      Antiseptic Drug Products \1\
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   Federal Register notice               Information in notice
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1974 ANPR (September 13,       We published an advance notice of
 1974, 39 FR 33103).            proposed rulemaking to establish a
                                monograph for OTC topical antimicrobial
                                drug products, together with the
                                recommendations of the advisory review
                                panel (the Panel) responsible for
                                evaluating data on the active
                                ingredients in this drug class.
1978 Antimicrobial TFM         We published our tentative conclusions
 (January 6, 1978, 43 FR        and proposed effectiveness testing for
 1210).                         the drug product categories evaluated by
                                the Panel, reflecting our evaluation of
                                the Panel's recommendations and comments
                                and data submitted in response to the
                                Panel's recommendations.
1991 First Aid TFM (July 22,   We amended the 1978 TFM to establish a
 1991, 56 FR 33644).            separate monograph for OTC first aid
                                antiseptic products. In the 1991 TFM, we
                                proposed that first aid antiseptic drug
                                products be indicated for the prevention
                                of skin infections in minor cuts,
                                scrapes, and burns.
1994 Healthcare Antiseptic     We amended the 1978 TFM to establish a
 TFM (June 17, 1994, 59 FR      separate monograph for the group of
 31402).                        products referred to as OTC topical
                                health care antiseptic drug products.
                                These antiseptics are generally intended
                                for use by health care professionals.
                               In the 1994 TFM we also recognized the
                                need for antibacterial personal
                                cleansing products for consumers to help
                                prevent cross- contamination from one
                                person to another and proposed a new
                                antiseptic category for consumer use:
                                Antiseptic hand wash.
2013 Consumer Antiseptic Wash  We issued a proposed rule to amend the
 TFM (December 17, 2013, 78     1994 TFM and to establish data standards
 FR 76444).                     for determining whether OTC consumer
                                antiseptic washes are GRAS/GRAE.
                               In the 2013 Consumer Antiseptic Wash TFM,
                                we proposed that additional safety and
                                effectiveness data are necessary to
                                support the safety and effectiveness of
                                consumer antiseptic wash active
                                ingredients.
2015 Health Care Antiseptic    We issued a proposed rule to amend the
 TFM (May 15, 2015, 80 FR       1994 TFM and establish data standards
 25166).                        for determining whether OTC health care
                                antiseptics are GRAS/GRAE.
                               In the 2015 Health Care Antiseptic TFM,
                                we proposed that additional data are
                                necessary to support the safety and
                                effectiveness of health care antiseptic
                                active ingredients.
2016 Consumer Antiseptic Rub   We issued a proposed rule to amend the
 TFM (June 30, 2016, 81 FR      1994 TFM and to establish data standards
 42912).                        for determining whether OTC consumer
                                antiseptic rubs are GRAS/GRAE.
                               In the 2016 Consumer Antiseptic Rub TFM,
                                we proposed that additional safety and
                                effectiveness data are necessary to
                                support the safety and effectiveness of
                                consumer antiseptic rub active
                                ingredients.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The publications listed in table 1 can be found at FDA's ``Status of
  OTC Rulemakings'' Web site available at http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/DevelopmentResources/Over-the-CounterOTCDrugs/StatusofOTCRulemakings/ucm070821.htm. The publications
  dated after 1993 can also be found in the Federal Register at https://www.federalregister.gov.


[[Page 61110]]

B. Public Meetings Relevant to This Final Rule

    In addition to the Federal Register publications listed in table 1, 
there have been four meetings of the NDAC and one public feedback 
meeting that are relevant to the discussion of consumer antiseptic wash 
safety and effectiveness. These meetings are summarized in table 2.

        Table 2--Public Meetings Relevant to Consumer Antiseptics
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Date and type of meeting                Topic of discussion
------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 1997 NDAC Meeting       Antiseptic and antibiotic resistance in
 (Joint meeting with the Anti-   relation to an industry proposal for
 Infective Drugs Advisory        consumer and health care antiseptic
 Committee) (January 6, 1997,    effectiveness testing (Health Care
 62 FR 764).                     Continuum Model) (Refs. 1 and 2).
March 2005 NDAC Meeting         The use of surrogate endpoints and study
 (February 18, 2005, 70 FR       design issues for the in vivo testing
 8376).                          of health care antiseptics (Ref. 3).
October 2005 NDAC Meeting       Benefits and risks of consumer
 (September 15, 2005, 70 FR      antiseptics. NDAC expressed concern
 54560).                         about the pervasive use of consumer
                                 antiseptic washes where there are
                                 potential risks and no demonstrable
                                 benefit. To demonstrate a clinical
                                 benefit, NDAC recommended clinical
                                 outcome studies to show that antiseptic
                                 washes are superior to nonantibacterial
                                 soap and water (Ref. 4).
November 2008 Public Feedback   Demonstration of the effectiveness of
 Meeting.                        consumer antiseptics (Ref. 5).
September 2014 NDAC Meeting     Safety testing framework for health care
 (July 29, 2014, 79 FR 44042).   antiseptic active ingredients (Ref. 6).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. Scope of This Final Rule

    This rulemaking finalizes the nonmonograph status for the 19 listed 
consumer antiseptic wash active ingredients (see section II.D). 
Requests were made that benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, 
and chloroxylenol be deferred from inclusion in this consumer 
antiseptic wash final rulemaking to allow more time for interested 
parties to complete the studies necessary to fill the safety and 
efficacy data gaps identified in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR for these 
ingredients. In March 2016, we agreed to defer rulemaking on these 
three ingredients (see Docket No. 1975-N-0012 at http://www.regulations.gov). Accordingly, in this final rulemaking we do not 
discuss whether benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, and 
chloroxylenol are GRAS/GRAE for use as active ingredients in consumer 
antiseptic washes. The monograph or new drug status of these three 
ingredients will be finalized either after completion and analysis of 
ongoing studies to address the safety and efficacy data gaps of these 
ingredients or at a later date if these studies are not completed.
    For the 19 active ingredients included in this final rule, either 
no additional data were submitted since the 2013 Consumer Antiseptic 
Wash PR, or the data and information that were submitted were 
insufficient to support GRAS/GRAE findings. Therefore, these 
ingredients are not included in a monograph at this time. These active 
ingredients are not GRAS/GRAE for use in consumer antiseptic wash drug 
products and products containing these ingredients are new drugs for 
which approved new drug applications are required. Accordingly, FDA is 
amending part 310 (21 CFR part 310) to add the active ingredients 
covered by this final rule to the list in Sec.  310.545 (21 CFR 
310.545) of OTC drug products that are not GRAS/GRAE and are misbranded 
in the absence of an approved new drug application.

D. Eligibility for the OTC Drug Review

    An OTC drug is covered by the OTC Drug Review if its conditions of 
use existed in the OTC drug marketplace on or before May 11, 1972 (37 
FR 9464) (Ref. 7).\1\ Conditions of use include, among other things, 
active ingredient, dosage form and strength, route of administration, 
and specific OTC use or indication of the product (see Sec.  
330.14(a)). To determine eligibility for the OTC Drug Review, FDA 
typically must have actual product labeling or a facsimile of labeling 
that documents the conditions of marketing of a product before May 1972 
(see Sec.  330.10(a)(2)). FDA considers a drug that is ineligible for 
inclusion in the OTC monograph system to be a new drug that will 
require FDA approval through the new drug application (NDA) process. 
Ineligibility for use as a consumer antiseptic rub does not affect 
eligibility under any other OTC drug monograph.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Also, note that drugs initially marketed in the United 
States after the OTC Drug Review began in 1972 and drugs without any 
U.S. marketing experience can be considered in the OTC monograph 
system based on submission of a time and extent application. (See 
Sec.  330.14).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Eligible Active Ingredients
    There are 19 of the antiseptic active ingredients eligible for the 
OTC Drug Review for use as a consumer antiseptic wash that are 
addressed in this final rule. These ingredients are:

 Cloflucarban
 Fluorosalan
 Hexachlorophene
 Hexylresorcinol
 Iodophors (Iodine-containing ingredients)
    [cir] Iodine complex (ammonium ether sulfate and polyoxyethylene 
sorbitan monolaurate)
    [cir] Iodine complex (phosphate ester of alkylaryloxy polyethylene 
glycol)
    [cir] Nonylphenoxypoly (ethyleneoxy) ethanoliodine
    [cir] Poloxamer--iodine complex
    [cir] Povidone-iodine 5 to 10 percent
    [cir] Undecoylium chloride iodine complex
 Methylbenzethonium chloride
 Phenol (greater than 1.5 percent)
 Phenol (less than 1.5 percent)
 Secondary amyltricresols
 Sodium oxychlorosene
 Tribromsalan
 Triclocarban
 Triclosan
 Triple dye

    In the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, we describe the lack of adequate data 
needed for a GRAS/GRAE determination for consumer antiseptic wash 
active ingredients (78 FR 76444). As discussed in section II.C, 
rulemaking has been deferred for three of the consumer antiseptic wash 
active ingredients--benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, and 
chloroxylenol. Accordingly, any references to consumer antiseptic wash 
active ingredients refer only to the 19 consumer antiseptic wash active 
ingredients listed in this section, unless otherwise stated.
2. Ineligible Active Ingredients
    In the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, we also identified certain active 
ingredients

[[Page 61111]]

that were considered ineligible for evaluation under the OTC Drug 
Review as a consumer antiseptic wash; but, we noted that if the 
requested documentation for eligibility was submitted, these active 
ingredients could be determined to be eligible for evaluation (78 FR 
76444 at 76448). The active ingredients proposed to be ineligible in 
the 2013 Consumer Wash PR were:

 Alcohol (ethyl alcohol)
 Benzalkonium cetyl phosphate
 Cetylpyridinium chloride
 Chlorhexidine gluconate
 Isopropyl alcohol
 Polyhexamethylene biguanide
 Salicylic acid
 Sodium hypochlorite
 Tea tree oil
 Combination of potassium vegetable oil solution, phosphate 
sequestering agent, and triethanolamine

    We have not received any new information since the 2013 Consumer 
Wash PR demonstrating that these active ingredients are eligible for 
evaluation under the OTC Drug Review for use as a consumer antiseptic 
wash. Consequently, drug products containing these active ingredients 
are new drugs that will require FDA approval.

III. Comments on the Proposed Rule and FDA Response

A. Introduction

    In the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, interested parties were invited to 
submit comments on the proposed rule by June 16, 2014. In addition, 
interested parties had until December 16, 2014, to submit new data or 
information to the docket, with 2 additional months provided to submit 
comments on any new data or information submitted (78 FR 76444 at 
76447).
    In response to the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, FDA received 
approximately 40 comments from drug manufacturers, trade associations, 
academia, testing laboratories, consumer groups, and health 
professionals, as well as over 1,800 comments filed by individuals. FDA 
also received additional data and information for certain consumer 
antiseptic wash active ingredients.
    We describe and respond to the comments in section III.B through 
III.F. We have numbered each comment to help distinguish between the 
different comments. We have grouped similar comments together under the 
same number, and in some cases, we have separated different issues 
discussed in the same comment and designated them as distinct comments 
for purposes of our responses. The number assigned to each comment or 
comment topic is purely for organizational purposes and does not 
signify the comment's value or importance or the order in which 
comments were received.

B. Description of General Comments and FDA Response

1. Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
    (Comment 1) Several comments asserted that the new efficacy testing 
requirements proposed in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR were unprecedented. 
They stated that given the significance of the proposed change to the 
efficacy testing requirements for consumer antiseptics and the lack of 
precedent for this action, FDA should withdraw the proposed rule and 
reissue it as an ANPR to give industry and other stakeholders an 
opportunity to engage with FDA on the GRAE testing requirements for the 
active ingredients and surrogate endpoint testing of final 
formulations.
    (Response 1) The purpose of an ANPR is to allow the public a period 
of time to comment on regulations that the FDA may pursue as part of a 
future rulemaking. As explained in section II.A, we issued an ANPR for 
a monograph for OTC topical antimicrobial drug products in 1974, and a 
proposed rulemaking in the form of a TFM in 1978. We have amended the 
TFM for OTC topical antimicrobial drug products to address, for 
example, different categories of topical antimicrobial drug products 
and indications of use, as well as the need for new safety and 
effectiveness data based on evolving scientific developments and new 
information on risks associated with use of these drug products (59 FR 
31402; 56 FR 33644; 78 FR 764444; 80 FR 25166; 81 FR 42912). For each 
amendment, we have allowed interested parties to submit comments on the 
proposals.
    In the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, we proposed that data from clinical 
outcome studies (demonstrating a reduction in infections) are necessary 
to support a GRAE determination for consumer antiseptic wash active 
ingredients (78 FR 76444). We explained that, if the active ingredient 
in a drug product does not provide clinical benefit but potentially 
increases the risk associated with the drug (e.g., from reproductive 
toxicity or carcinogenicity), then the benefit-to-risk calculation 
shifts, and the drug is not GRAS/GRAE. For the consumer antiseptic wash 
ingredients at issue here, because of new concerns about the potential 
risks (e.g., resistance and hormonal effects), the log reduction 
standard (a clinical simulation standard) proposed in the 1994 TFM, 
which was based on an invalidated surrogate endpoint (i.e., number of 
bacteria removed from the skin), is insufficient for establishing 
effectiveness of consumer antiseptic washes. Therefore, we proposed 
that clinical outcome studies were needed to demonstrate a direct 
clinical benefit.
    This proposed effectiveness requirement is consistent with the 
NDAC's recommendations from the October 2005 NDAC meeting regarding 
consumer antiseptics (Ref. 4). The October 2005 NDAC concluded that the 
existing test methods are based on the premise that bacterial 
reductions translate to a reduced potential for infection, and, 
although bacterial reduction can be demonstrated using tests that 
simulate conditions of actual use, there are no corresponding clinical 
data to demonstrate that bacterial reductions of the required magnitude 
produce a corresponding reduction in infection. Accordingly, the 
October 2005 NDAC recommended clinical outcome studies to demonstrate 
the clinical benefit of consumer antiseptic wash active ingredients and 
their superiority compared to a nonantibacterial wash, such as soap and 
water. In October 2008, we also held a public feedback meeting to 
discuss the demonstration of effectiveness of consumer antiseptic 
active ingredients.
    At each stage of this process, interested parties have had an 
opportunity to participate in these proceedings. It is not necessary 
now to withdraw the 2013 Consumer Wash PR and reissue it as an ANPR.
    (Comment 2) Several comments argued that the 2013 Consumer Wash PR 
should be reissued as an ANPR because the proposed rule only requests 
testing on the active ingredients to demonstrate effectiveness and 
fails to confirm whether the Agency will impose additional surrogate 
efficacy requirements for a final formulation. The comments contended 
that the Agency's approach is inconsistent with the approach taken in 
the 1994 TFM and other OTC monographs.
    (Response 2) The issue of whether the 2013 Consumer Wash PR should 
be reissued as an ANPR to include final product formulation testing 
does not need to be addressed in this final rule because we have 
determined that none of the active ingredients subject to this final 
rule are GRAE for use as a consumer antiseptic wash. Final formulation 
testing would be required for testing formulations containing active 
ingredients that have been determined as GRAS/GRAE.

[[Page 61112]]

2. Effective Date
    (Comment 3) Several comments stated that FDA's timeline under the 
2013 Consumer Wash PR for new data submission is unreasonable and that 
completing clinical outcome studies within the timeframe proposed by 
the Agency is unrealistic.
    (Response 3) We understand that, in certain circumstances, 
planning, implementing, and analyzing the data generated from a 
clinical outcome study can be a time-consuming process that may not be 
completed within the period granted for submission of additional data 
in response to the 2013 Consumer Wash PR. Accordingly, in the 2013 
Consumer Wash PR, we provided a process for seeking an extension of 
time to submit the required safety and/or effectiveness data if needed 
(78 FR 76444 at 76447). As explained in the proposed rule, we stated 
that we would consider all the data and information submitted to the 
record in conjunction with all timely and completed requests to extend 
the timeline to finalize the monograph status for a given ingredient 
(78 FR 76444 at 76447). Consideration for deferral for an ingredient 
was given to requests with clear statements of intent to conduct the 
necessary studies required to fill all the data gaps identified in the 
proposed rule for that ingredient. After analyzing the data and 
information submitted related to the requests for extensions, we 
determined that deferral is warranted for three consumer antiseptic 
wash active ingredients--benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, 
and chloroxylenol--to allow more time for interested parties to 
complete the studies necessary to fill the safety and efficacy data 
gaps identified for these ingredients as indicated in the 2013 Consumer 
Wash PR. These three ingredients are not included in this final rule 
and will be addressed either after completion and analysis of ongoing 
studies to address the safety and efficacy data gaps of these 
ingredients or at a later date if these studies are not completed. We 
decline to defer final action on the proposed rule for the 19 remaining 
consumer antiseptic wash active ingredients.
    (Comment 4) One comment requested that the Agency finalize the 
monograph finding that triclosan and other antimicrobial chemicals are 
not GRAS/GRAE, and, in so finding, require that all consumer antiseptic 
wash active ingredients that are not GRAS/GRAE be removed from the 
market either immediately or within 6 months of the publication of the 
final rule.
    (Response 4) As discussed in section IV of this document, the data 
submitted to the Agency for the non-deferred consumer antiseptic wash 
active ingredients is insufficient to fill all the safety and 
effectiveness data gaps identified in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR. Thus, 
we find that these consumer antiseptic wash active ingredients, 
including tricoslan, are not GRAS/GRAE for use in OTC consumer 
antiseptic wash drug products. Products containing those ingredients 
are therefore not eligible for inclusion in a monograph and must be 
removed from the market or must be approved through an NDA or an 
abbreviated new drug application (ANDA).
    This final rule involves over 700 consumer antiseptic wash drug 
products, which are formulated with one or more of the 19 active 
ingredients discussed in this final rule. In the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, 
we recognized, based on the scope of products subject to this final 
rule, that manufacturers would need time to comply with the rule (78 FR 
76444 at 76470). We therefore proposed that the final rule be effective 
1 year after the publication in the Federal Register, finding that a 
period later than 1 year after publication of the final rule would 
neither be appropriate nor necessary (78 FR 76444 at 76470). We also 
believe that making the final rule effective immediately upon 
publication or effective 6 months after publication does not afford 
manufacturers the time necessary to remove from the market, or 
reformulate their products containing these active ingredients, given 
the broad scope of products that are the subject of this final rule. 
Thus, we decline to adopt an immediate or 6-month effective date for 
this rule and, instead, as discussed in section V, adopt our proposal 
that this final rule be effective 1 year after publication in the 
Federal Register.
3. Definition of Consumer Antiseptic Washes
    (Comment 5) Several comments requested that the Agency clarify the 
definition of consumer antiseptic washes, stating that the definition 
of consumer antiseptics in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR does not include 
antiseptic products used in institutional settings. The commenters 
stated that by not including such products in the definition of 
consumer antiseptic washes, we put the general population at risk for 
increased levels of bacteria on skin, which may lead to increased 
infection and diseases for the general population.
    (Response 5) In the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, we explained that 
consumer antiseptic wash drug products addressed by this rulemaking 
include a variety of personal care products intended to be used with 
water, such as antibacterial soaps, hand washes, and body washes, which 
may be used by consumers for personal use in the home and in certain 
public settings on a frequent, even daily, basis (78 FR 76444 at 
76446). We also indicate that ``consumer antiseptic'' is a broad term 
and meant to include all the types of antiseptic products used on a 
frequent or daily basis by consumers. This is consistent with the 
October 2005 NDAC meeting, at which consumer antiseptics were 
categorized as products used by the general public, including the use 
of those products in institutional and public settings (Ref. 4). 
Therefore, we clarify that consumer antiseptic wash products are 
products intended for use with water by the general population in the 
home or public settings on a frequent or daily basis. As such, 
antiseptic wash products used by health care professionals or 
commercial food handlers or as first aid antiseptic products are not 
considered consumer antiseptic wash products.
4. Food Handler Antiseptics
    (Comment 6) Several comments requested that FDA make a distinction 
between hand wash products for use by consumers and hand wash products 
for use by commercial food handlers. The comments explained that the 
food industry includes commercial enterprises involved in food 
processing, preparation, or handling, but does not include home 
preparation. In addition, they explained that the food industry 
provides a different environment for hand washing compared to consumer 
use, and as a result, a separate monograph category should be created 
to define standards for food handlers. An opposing comment, however, 
objected to FDA creating another category of antiseptics for the food 
industry, arguing that these antiseptics raise the same safety concerns 
as consumer antiseptic wash products.
    The comments that advocated for a separate category for antiseptics 
used by the food industry stated that FDA recognized the distinction 
between consumer hand washes and hand washes in the food industry in 
the 2013 Consumer Wash PR by stating that ``antiseptics for use by the 
food industry are not discussed further in this document'' (78 FR at 
76446). The comments said that, despite this statement, the absence of 
further language specifically addressing hand wash products for use in 
the food industry creates the potential that

[[Page 61113]]

antiseptic hand wash products used in the food industry may, by 
default, be subject to the requirements of the 2013 Consumer Wash PR. 
They also requested that FDA clarify that hand wash products for use by 
the food industry can continue to be marketed under the current 
regulatory framework.
    (Response 6) As stated in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR and the 2015 
Health Care Antiseptic PR, we continue to classify the food handler 
antiseptic washes as a separate and distinct monograph category, and we 
clarify that such products are not part of these rulemakings on the 
consumer antiseptic monograph (78 FR 76444 at 76446; 80 FR 25166 at 
25168). A separate category is warranted because of additional issues 
raised by the public health consequences of foodborne illness, 
differences in frequency and type of use, and contamination of the 
hands by grease and other oils. We plan to address OTC antiseptic 
products for use by the food handler industry in a separate 
rulemaking.\2\ We plan to do a thorough evaluation of the safety and 
effectiveness of antiseptic active ingredients intended for this 
category of use. We also confirm that this final rule is not intended 
to affect antiseptic products indicated for use by the food industry.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ The Personal Care Products Council and American Cleaning 
Institute submitted a citizen petition in this rulemaking requesting 
FDA action on issues related to food handler antiseptic wash 
products. This citizen petition and other issues related to food 
handler products will be addressed in future documents.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. Comments on Effectiveness and FDA Response

1. Clinical Outcome Studies
    (Comment 7) Several comments challenged FDA's proposal that 
clinical outcome studies be conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness 
of the active ingredients for consumer antiseptic wash products, for 
the following reasons: (1) Clinical outcome studies are unjustified and 
not feasible; (2) the potential for antimicrobial resistance is 
unfounded because there has been no demonstration of a scientifically 
confirmed risk associated with the usage of consumer antiseptic 
products; (3) FDA has not properly considered the potential risks 
caused by lack of access to antibacterial products in consumers where 
specific populations of consumers may be at increased risk of 
infection; (4) the requirement for clinical outcome studies is far more 
extensive than antiseptic requirements for consumer, food, or health 
care antiseptics in other countries; and (5) simulation studies are a 
valid and feasible way to determine efficacy because they have been 
used since the publication of 1978 TFM, can be modified to include 
additional controls and surrogate endpoints that would satisfy the 
Agency's standards, and have been used to support approval of several 
NDAs.
    (Response 7) In the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, we proposed that data 
from clinical outcome studies (demonstrating a reduction in infections) 
are necessary to support a GRAE determination for consumer antiseptic 
wash active ingredients (78 FR 76444 at 76450). We explained that new 
concerns about the potential risks (e.g., resistance and hormonal 
effects) shifted the benefit-risk calculation. Therefore, the log 
reduction standard (a clinical simulation standard) proposed in the 
1994 TFM, which was based on an invalidated surrogate endpoint (i.e., 
number of bacteria removed from the skin), was insufficient for 
establishing effectiveness of consumer antiseptic washes. The 
requirement for clinical outcome studies is based on the fact that 
sufficient data to clearly demonstrate the benefit from the use of 
consumer antiseptic washes compared to nonantibacterial soap and water 
are not available. Additionally, existing data cannot demonstrate a 
correlation between log reductions of bacteria achieved by antiseptic 
hand washing in surrogate testing and reduction of infection and, as 
the October 2005 NDAC also concluded, the ability of consumer 
antiseptic wash products to decrease bacteria on the skin is 
insufficient for a GRAE finding if it is not supported by a direct 
clinical benefit (Ref. 4). Hence, in general consumer settings where 
soap and water are readily available the benefit of using an antiseptic 
wash product must be supported by clinical outcome studies. The 
efficacy requirements for consumer antiseptic washes differ from the 
efficacy requirements proposed for consumer antiseptic rub products 
because the wash products are intended to be used when soap and water 
are not available (81 FR 42912) (2016 Consumer Rub PR). In addition, 
the consumer antiseptic wash efficacy requirements differ from the 
efficacy requirements for health care antiseptics used in a hospital 
setting, where study design limitations and ethical concerns prevent 
the use of clinical outcome studies (80 FR 25166 at 25175 to 25176).
    Moreover, as explained in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, FDA's OTC 
regulations (Sec.  330.10(a)(4)(ii)) define the standards for 
establishing an OTC active ingredient as GRAE. These regulations 
require the efficacy of active ingredients for OTC drug products be 
demonstrated by controlled clinical trials (Sec. Sec.  330.10(a)(4)(ii) 
and 314.126(b) (21 CFR 314.126(b)), unless this requirement is waived 
as provided in Sec.  330.10(a)(4)(ii). These studies must be well 
controlled and able to distinguish the effect of a drug from other 
influences, such as a spontaneous change in the course of the disease, 
placebo effect, or biased observation (Sec.  314.126(a)).
    The requirement for controlled clinical trials also is consistent 
with the recommendations of the October 2005 NDAC that clinical outcome 
studies be used to demonstrate the clinical benefit of consumer 
antiseptic wash products and their superiority compared to a 
nonantibacterial wash, such as soap and water (Ref. 4). Although two 
clinical outcome studies we identified in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR did 
not demonstrate a benefit from the use of the tested antiseptic active 
ingredient, these studies were randomized, blinded, and placebo-
controlled, and demonstrate that such clinical outcome studies are 
feasible. For these reasons, FDA's requirement that clinical outcome 
studies be conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the active 
ingredients for consumer antiseptic wash products is warranted and 
reasonable.
    (Comment 8) One comment also argued that FDA's requirement for 
clinical outcome studies based on its concern about the potential for 
increased antimicrobial resistance and endocrine disruption because of 
use of consumer antiseptic wash active ingredients is unfounded. The 
comment asserted that the requirement of clinical outcome studies is 
not supported by any demonstration of a confirmed risk associated with 
the use of consumer antiseptic products.
    (Response 8) We agree that the development of resistant mechanisms 
in natural settings is not sufficiently studied. However, as discussed 
in more detail in section III.D.2, the concerns regarding the extended 
use of antiseptics, its potential consequences on the systemic 
exposure, and its potential consequences on the development of 
bacterial resistance, must be assessed. A GRAS/GRAE determination for 
an active ingredient for a particular intended use requires a benefit-
to-risk assessment--in this case, the risk posed by use of a consumer 
antiseptic wash drug product must be balanced by a demonstration that 
the product is statistically significant (p-value <0.05) in reducing 
infections compared to washing with nonantibacterial soap and water, 
which refers to a soap formulation, solid or

[[Page 61114]]

liquid, that does not contain any antimicrobial ingredient.
    (Comment 9) Commenters also contend the Agency has not considered 
the potential risks of an increase in infections among consumers by 
their not having access to antibacterial product formulations and 
commenters included publications in support of their position.
    (Response 9) Although the submitted publications demonstrate some 
increase of infection in consumer settings, they do not address the 
effectiveness of consumer antiseptic wash products in the prevention or 
reduction of infections. The cited studies underscore the urgency of 
scientifically demonstrating the contribution of consumer antiseptics 
in lowering the infection rates in consumer settings. Although we 
acknowledge that there may be populations with increased vulnerability 
to bacterial infection, such as the elderly and persons with suppressed 
immune systems, the data to support the benefit of the use of consumer 
antiseptic wash products over that of nonantibacterial soap and water 
in these populations is still lacking.
    (Comment 10) Several comments stated that the clinical outcome 
requirements proposed in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR are more extensive 
and demanding than requirements for establishing GRAE for active 
ingredients in other OTC monographs, and more demanding than what is 
required for antiseptics that are approved for use in other countries.
    (Response 10) Although the requirement for clinical outcome studies 
for consumer antiseptic wash active ingredients may be a more stringent 
requirement than is used by some other countries, FDA's proposed 
effectiveness requirement is supported by FDA's regulations, the 
recommendations of the October 2005 NDAC, as well as by available data 
and publications studying the clinical outcome of antiseptics, all of 
which support the requirement of clinical outcome studies (Refs. 8 and 
9). Moreover, the existence of published studies demonstrates that 
clinical outcome studies are feasible. For the reasons explained in 
this section, clinical outcome studies are necessary to assure that the 
potential risk from use of consumer antiseptic wash products is 
balanced by a demonstrated clinical benefit.
    (Comment 11) Several comments argued that clinical simulation 
studies are a valid way to demonstrate efficacy and that the log 
reduction of bacteria on skin proposed to demonstrate efficacy since 
the 1978 TFM, has been used to support the approval of several NDAs. 
The comments also proposed that clinical simulation studies can be 
modified to include additional controls and neutralizers to satisfy the 
Agency's requirements. The comments stated that neutralization 
solutions are already included in the American Society for Testing and 
Materials (ASTM) \3\ E1174 ``Standard Test method for Evaluation of the 
Effectiveness of Health Care Personnel Hand Wash Formulations,'' and a 
vehicle control and an active control such as Hibiclens 4 percent could 
also be included in clinical simulation studies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ General information about ASTM can be found at https://www.astm.org/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (Response 11) We agree that clinical simulation studies and 
surrogate endpoints have been used since the publication of the 1978 
TFM (43 FR 1210) and continued to be a requirement for demonstrating 
effectiveness in the 1994 TFM (59 FR 31402). As addressed in the 2015 
Health Care Antiseptic PR (80 FR 25166), we will continue to evaluate 
the effectiveness of health care antiseptic products based on both in 
vitro testing and clinical simulation studies. However, the ethical 
concerns and challenges of designing clinical trials in the hospital 
setting do not apply to the consumer antiseptic wash setting, where 
washing with soap and water is a readily available alternative for 
consumers, and clinical trials to demonstrate clinical superiority are 
ethical and feasible.
    With respect to approved marketing applications, we note that the 
Agency has not approved any applications for consumer antiseptic wash 
products since the publication of the 1994 TFM. The approved NDA 
products for which evaluation of efficacy is based on in vitro testing 
results and clinical simulation studies have been for antiseptic 
products used in the health care setting.
    Moreover, although the addition of vehicle and active controls, as 
well as the inclusion of neutralization solutions in the test method, 
may increase the accuracy of the testing itself, it does not meet the 
requirement of establishing a direct connection between the use of 
consumer antiseptic wash active ingredients and infection reduction in 
a general consumer setting. A surrogate study, with or without 
additional controls, is founded on the premise that reduction of 
bacteria on skin because of use of a consumer antiseptic active 
ingredient (or product) will result in reduction of infections, but it 
is not a direct proof of reduced infections. While we continue to 
propose the use of surrogate endpoints as a demonstration of 
effectiveness for health care antiseptics and consumer antiseptic rubs, 
the reasons for those different requirements, such as the challenges of 
conducting such studies in the health care setting, and the fact that 
consumer rubs, which are intended for use when soap and water is 
unavailable, do not apply to consumer antiseptic wash products used in 
general consumer settings. In addition, the infection risk in 
healthcare settings is greater than in consumer settings, and as such, 
a clinical outcome study for healthcare antiseptics raises ethical 
questions regarding the use of non-antimicrobial vehicle in patients. 
Studying the effectiveness of consumer wash antiseptics via clinical 
outcome studies in consumer settings is not unethical and, as 
previously shown, it is feasible (Refs. 8 and 9).
    As stated in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, we have evaluated all 
clinical simulation studies that were submitted to the OTC Drug Review 
for evidence of antiseptic consumer wash active ingredient 
effectiveness demonstrated under the log reduction criteria (78 FR 
76444 at 76451). We also evaluated the publications referenced in the 
comments submitted in response to the 2013 Consumer Wash PR. The 
studies described in the referenced publications lack the appropriate 
controls of a clinical outcome study, so we cannot, without additional 
evidence, attribute the reduction of infection rates to the use of 
antiseptic consumer wash active ingredients (Refs. 10 and 11). In sum, 
the studies we have evaluated are not adequately controlled to support 
an accurate assessment of the effectiveness of consumer antiseptic wash 
active ingredients.
    A demonstration of the effectiveness of the active ingredients used 
in consumer antiseptic wash products should result from robust, 
properly designed, randomized studies with adequate numbers of subjects 
and clearly defined endpoints and analysis, using reduction in 
infection rates rather than reduction in pathogen counts. For the 
reasons discussed in this section and in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, 
adequate clinical outcome studies that identify the conditions of use 
on which an antiseptic active ingredient can demonstrate a reduction in 
the number of infections, are required to demonstrate the GRAE status 
of consumer antiseptic wash active ingredients.
2. Testing of the Active Ingredient
    (Comment 12) Several comments argued that the testing of the active 
ingredients rather than testing of final

[[Page 61115]]

formulation products is unnecessary and not feasible because the 
delivery of the active ingredient is heavily dependent on its vehicle 
and testing of the active ingredient alone is not possible. One comment 
stated that although several consumer antiseptic wash products may 
contain the same active ingredient, they can also contain different 
product formulations that account for the effective delivery of the 
active ingredient, and, thus, test results of one specific wash product 
may not represent the effectiveness of a variety of consumer antiseptic 
wash products formulated with the same active ingredient.
    (Response 12) The controlled clinical trials required by FDA's 
regulations are intended to demonstrate that the pharmacological effect 
of the drug when used under adequate directions for use will provide 
clinically significant relief of the type claimed (Sec. Sec.  
330.10(a)(4)(ii) and 314.126(b); 78 FR 76444 at 76450)), i.e. efficacy 
for the stated indication. GRAE determinations are made based on the 
active ingredient, not the product. We understand that testing the 
effectiveness of only the active ingredient using clinical outcome 
studies may not be feasible because the consumer uses the product in 
its final formulation form and not necessarily in the form of the 
isolated active ingredient. We agree that a variety of aspects of a 
final product formulation such as its pH, surfactancy, solubility, as 
well as the product's stability, depend on the formulation of the 
vehicle and can have an impact on the delivery of the active 
ingredient, as well as its antibacterial activity. We agree that test 
results of one specific wash product may not represent the 
effectiveness of a variety of consumer antiseptic wash products 
formulated with the same active ingredient. However, the proposal for 
conducting adequate and well-controlled clinical outcome studies to 
demonstrate that the active ingredient of a consumer antiseptic wash 
product is GRAE was not intended to be a study conducted only on the 
active ingredient, but rather a study designed to determine the 
contribution of the active ingredient to the effectiveness of the 
product. To determine that the active ingredient is GRAE, the clinical 
outcome studies should include at least two arms: The final formulation 
of the product and the vehicle. The effectiveness of the active 
ingredient, and hence its contribution in the reduction of infections, 
will be determined by comparing the infection rate of the active 
ingredient plus its vehicle to the infection rate of the vehicle in a 
consumer population. In the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, the referenced 
clinical outcome studies (Refs. 8 and 9) are two-arm studies where the 
effect of the antiseptic product in reduction of infections in a 
population is compared to a non-antibacterial product. It is in the 
presence of these controls (i.e., the vehicle or a non-antibacterial 
product) that the contribution of the active ingredient contained in a 
consumer wash antiseptic product can be determined. We note that if an 
ingredient is so highly formulation dependent that the results of the 
efficacy testing cannot be extrapolated to demonstrate the active 
ingredient's effectiveness, products containing such an ingredient may 
require an NDA.
3. In Vitro Testing/Time-Kill Assays
    (Comment 13) Several comments urged FDA to revise its proposed in 
vitro test methods for consumer wash antiseptic active ingredients. 
They stated that for demonstrating antibacterial activity of active 
ingredients, it is more relevant to perform a minimal inhibitory 
concentration and minimal lethal concentration (MIC/MLC) test to 
determine the potency and spectrum of the antibacterial activity of the 
proposed active ingredient before it is included in an antibacterial 
product formulation. Several comments also recommended that FDA not 
establish specific performance criteria for MIC/MLC testing of the 
active ingredients because the ingredients have not yet been 
formulated.
    (Response 13) In addition to the clinical outcome studies FDA 
proposed in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, FDA proposed an in vitro study 
consisting of a modified time-kill assay conducted on selected 
reference organisms and their respective clinical isolates, which are 
representative of bacterial strains most commonly encountered in 
general consumer settings (78 FR 76444 at 76452 to 76453). The purpose 
of the in vitro study is to characterize the antimicrobial activity of 
the active ingredients used in consumer antiseptic wash products.
    As explained in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, the requirement for 
clinical outcome studies lessens the need for extensive in vitro 
studies, given that the primary support for a GRAE determination is the 
clinical outcome study. MIC/MLC tests assess the minimal concentration 
of the active ingredient needed to cause inhibition of growth and/or 
lethality to bacteria after a 24-hour exposure to the active 
ingredient. However, the exposure time of consumer wash active 
ingredients, based on the indications of use for antiseptic wash 
products, is much shorter--several minutes maximum. Thus, information 
on the ability of the antiseptic wash active ingredient to inhibit or 
eliminate bacterial growth after the prolonged exposure times used in 
the MIC/MLC testing is not relevant to the actual use of the consumer 
antiseptic wash product.
    The time-kill assay, on the other hand, is designed to test shorter 
exposure times against the microorganisms selected for testing with the 
test material, and as such, it provides more relevant information on 
how quickly the tested active ingredient eliminates the tested 
microorganisms. The time-kill assay also includes strains and clinical 
isolates of organisms most commonly found in consumer settings and 
provides relevant information on the kinetics of the antimicrobial 
activity of active ingredients with regard to the bactericidal activity 
of active ingredients used in consumer antiseptic wash products.
    Given that we are not requiring MIC/MLC tests to be performed, we 
do not address whether specific performance criteria should or should 
not be established for MIC/MLC testing of the active ingredients.
    (Comment 14) Several comments also contended that the time-kill 
assay should be used for characterization of final product formulation, 
rather than for evaluation of the effectiveness of the active 
ingredient, given that many characteristics of the formulation, such as 
its stability, solubility, and pH, have a significant influence on the 
performance outcome of the antiseptic product. They urged FDA to adopt 
ASTM E2783, ``Standard Test Method for Assessment of Antimicrobial 
Activity for Water Miscible Compounds Using a Time-Kill Procedure,'' as 
the standard for conducting the time-kill assay. They also argued that 
the performance criteria for the time-kill assay proposed in the 2013 
Consumer Wash PR are more demanding than the performance abilities of 
approved health care antiseptic products.
    (Response 14) Testing requirements for the final product 
formulations are not addressed in this final rule because none of the 
active ingredients that are the subject of this final rule are 
considered GRAE for use in consumer antiseptic wash products, given the 
lack of sufficient effectiveness data for these ingredients. The 
testing requirements for final formulations of products containing the 
three deferred active ingredients will be addressed after a decision is 
made regarding the monograph status of those ingredients.

[[Page 61116]]

    In addition, for purposes of the three deferred active ingredients, 
we have reviewed the ASTM E2783-11 and do not disagree with the use of 
this method for the deferred active ingredients to help establish GRAE 
status for a consumer antiseptic wash product with a bacterial 
indication, as long as all the bacterial strains and the respective 
clinical isolates proposed in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR are included in 
the test.
    With regard to the comment that the performance criteria of the 
time-kill assay are more demanding than the performance abilities of 
approved health care antiseptic products, the proposed 99.9 percent 
elimination of bacteria describes the concentration and the time of 
contact at which the active ingredient would be considered 
bactericidal. This criterion is based on the performance of alcohol 
formulations (61 percent to 85 percent) and on the expectation that an 
effective consumer antiseptic product will demonstrate a comparable 
bactericidal activity. The 2013 Consumer Wash PR did not propose that a 
99.9 percent performance criterion would have to be achieved on all the 
proposed reference strains and clinical isolates to make a GRAE 
determination for the active ingredient.
    In summary, the clinical results necessary to support a GRAE 
finding for any of the consumer antiseptic wash active ingredients 
addressed in this final rule have not been demonstrated. The 
effectiveness of each of the three consumer wash active ingredients 
deferred from this rulemaking will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis 
in the future.
4. Melon Ball Model To Support a GRAE Determination
    In the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, we evaluated a study submitted to the 
OTC Drug Review involving a testing protocol referred to as the Melon 
Ball Disease Transmission (MBDT) model (78 FR 76444 at 76451 to 76452). 
The MBDT model attempts to link the efficacy of washing with 
antibacterial consumer wash to infection reduction by correlating the 
reduction of bacterial transfer to a food item following the use of a 
consumer antiseptic hand wash to a reduction of infection. In the 2013 
Consumer Wash PR, FDA raised several concerns regarding the validity of 
the MBDT model. We found the MBDT model deficient and inadequate to 
link reduction of bacteria to a reduction in infection incidences (78 
FR 76444 at 76451). Therefore, we concluded, the results of the MBDT 
study did not demonstrate the effectiveness of the consumer antiseptic 
hand wash used in the study.
    (Comment 15) Several comments disagreed with the Agency's concerns 
and supported the use of the MBDT model for establishing a GRAE 
classification for relevant active ingredients, as well as supported 
optional final formulation testing that is intended to correlate 
clinical simulation study results with clinical outcome. Published data 
and recent studies were included in the comments submitted in response 
to the 2013 Consumer Wash PR to address the validity of the MBDT model 
and two other models used along with the MBDT model: (1) The Palmar 
hand-contamination method--the model of bacterial hand contamination 
and (2) a computational simulation model known as the Quantitative 
Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) model.
    (Response 15) We reviewed and evaluated the submitted materials, 
including the studies previously addressed in the 2013 Consumer Wash 
PR. The studies show a reduction of bacteria on skin, as well as 
reduced bacterial transfer from hands to objects or food items because 
of use of consumer antiseptic wash products. In the Schaffner et al. 
study, statistical analysis and the QMRA model were used, in addition 
to the previously reported MBDT model, in an effort to establish a 
quantitative link between the effectiveness of antiseptic products and 
the reduced potential for disease such as Shigellosis and other low-
dose enteric pathogens (Ref. 12).
    After evaluation, however, we find that the submitted data, which 
include the Palmar method and QMRA model, do not address the 
deficiencies of the MBDT model previously analyzed in the 2013 Consumer 
Wash PR for the following reasons:
     The Palmar method is not reflective of the intended use of 
consumer antiseptic wash products and does not take into consideration 
the bacteria residing under the fingernails, which is an important 
reservoir for bacteria. Sufficient data to compare the Palmar method to 
the full-hand contamination method currently used are not provided.
     The limitations of the dose-response model generated from 
S. flexneri dose-response studies, including the small number of 
subjects, variability in the dose-response data, and lack of uniformity 
on criteria used for the definition of illness, remains the same as 
previously addressed in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR (78 FR 76444 at 
76451).
     Although melon is a readily found food item, it cannot be 
used as a standardized tool for bacterial transfer. There are other 
factors besides the size of the melon balls, such as the melon's 
ripeness and surface texture, which may introduce variability to 
bacterial transfer. Also, bacterial transfer may be affected by the 
amount of fat/grease contained in a food item. These issues cannot be 
addressed by using the melon ball as a standardized object to study 
bacterial transfer (Ref. 13). The comments provided no useful data to 
assess the effects of these variables on the absolute counts of 
bacteria transferred from hands to food items and the overall study 
outcome.
    Overall, the MBDT model, including the QMRA analysis, cannot be 
used as a standardized method to validate the effectiveness of consumer 
antiseptic wash active ingredients. Such a model assesses bacterial 
transfer as a surrogate for disease and is not capable of showing the 
direct clinical benefit of an antiseptic active ingredient or an 
antiseptic product for the general consumer population. Instead, it 
measures the transfer of bacteria from contaminated hands to melon 
balls, a measurement that is then used in a risk assessment model to 
provide a hypothetical infection reduction estimate based on infection 
data generated from S. flexneri dose-response studies with limited 
data. The proposed MBDT model reflects only one facet of the multiple 
uses of consumer antiseptic wash products. Consumers can be exposed to 
pathogenic organisms not only through food preparation activities, but 
also through contact with a variety of fomites in the domestic setting. 
Furthermore, the MBDT model does not address the scenario where a 
consumer would transfer the disease from their contaminated hands to 
other parts of their bodies (self-inoculate).
    Although the QMRA analysis may be useful for exploratory analysis 
for risk assessment and management, it is not used for demonstrating 
the efficacy of drugs for approval. The comment provided references to 
show that QMRA analyses have been adopted by many agencies, including 
FDA. Our literature search confirms that QMRA analyses are used to 
estimate the impact of food safety policies (Ref. 14), or to predict 
the probability of adverse effects in vaccination (Ref. 15). However, 
we did not find any evidence of QMRA analysis employed as direct proof 
in determining the efficacy of a drug product or an active ingredient.
    The MBDT model fails to prove that reduction of the pathogen counts 
on hands will translate into a clinically meaningful benefit, and as 
such, the MBDT model cannot be a substitute for

[[Page 61117]]

adequate clinical outcome studies that identify conditions of use under 
which an antiseptic wash active ingredient is capable of reducing the 
number of infections. The data demonstrating the effectiveness of the 
active ingredients used in consumer antiseptic wash products should 
result from robust, properly designed, randomized studies with adequate 
numbers of subjects and clearly defined endpoints and analysis, 
assessing reduction in infection rates rather than reduction in 
pathogen counts.
5. American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Methods
    (Comment 16) Several comments addressed the test methods for 
demonstration of effectiveness for final product formulations and 
proposed that the Agency recognize several ASTM test methods for 
determination of effectiveness for final product formulations, 
including the ASTM E1174 ``Standard Test Method for Evaluation of the 
Effectiveness of Health Care Personnel Hand Wash Formulations,'' the 
ASTM E2784 ``Standard Test Method for Evaluation of the Effectiveness 
of Hand Wash Formulations Using the Paper Towel (Palmar) Method of Hand 
Contamination,'' the ASTM E1874 ``Standard Test Methods for Recovery of 
Microorganisms From Skin Using the Cup Scrub Technique,'' and the ASTM 
E2783 method ``Standard Test Method for Assessment of Antimicrobial 
Activity for Water Miscible Compounds Using a Time-Kill Procedure.''
    (Response 16) As discussed in section IV, none of the active 
ingredients subject to this final rule have been found to be GRAE for 
use in a consumer antiseptic wash product. We will evaluate the GRAS/
GRAE status of the three deferred active ingredients either upon 
completion and analysis of all safety and effectiveness studies 
required for these ingredients or at a later date if these studies are 
not completed (78 FR 76444 at 76458). For these reasons, it is 
premature to discuss final product formulation testing requirements 
before a decision is made on the adequacy of data to provide to support 
monograph status of the three deferred active ingredients.
    We note, however, that the suggestion to accept the ASTM test 
methods used in clinical simulation studies for final product 
formulation testing is based on the assumption that for the consumer 
antiseptic wash active ingredients for which clinical outcome studies 
will demonstrate effectiveness, only antibacterial claims would be 
supported. The guidelines for clinical outcome study design provided by 
the Agency with regard to the three deferred consumer antiseptic wash 
active ingredients allow for demonstration of reduction of infections 
of either bacterial or viral origin. If the clinical outcome studies 
demonstrate that these active ingredients can reduce infections of 
origin other than bacterial (i.e. viruses), additional testing to 
further characterize the activity of these ingredients must be 
determined. Therefore, testing requirements for final product 
formulation cannot be finalized before we have made a determination 
that a deferred active ingredient is GRAE. Depending on the 
indication(s) supported by clinical outcome studies for an active 
ingredient, additional final product formulation testing, other than 
the ASTM methods suggested, may be required.

D. Comments on Safety and FDA Response

1. Additional Safety Testing Requirements
    (Comment 17) One comment stated that before proposing new safety 
testing, FDA must consider the actual risks. The comment argued that if 
current product exposures do not present risk based on the existing 
data, new data should not be required. The comment further recommended 
that existing data should be reviewed in relation to increased risk 
rather than increased analytic sensitivity and that if FDA finds that 
there is no demonstration of risk, FDA should conclude that the active 
ingredients and formulations are safe.
    (Response 17) We decline to withdraw our requirement in the 2013 
Consumer Wash PR for the additional safety data that we determined is 
necessary to support a GRAS classification for the consumer antiseptic 
wash active ingredients. As explained in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, 
several important scientific developments that affect the safety 
evaluation of the consumer antiseptic wash active ingredients have 
occurred since FDA's 1994 evaluation. New data and information on the 
antiseptic wash active ingredients raise concerns regarding potential 
risks from systemic absorption and long-term exposure, as well as 
development of bacterial resistance related to use of consumer 
antiseptic washes (78 FR 76444 at 76445). The data required by the 2013 
Consumer Wash PR is necessary for FDA to conduct an adequate safety 
evaluation. The comments do not provide sufficient data to support a 
determination that these consumers antiseptic wash active ingredients 
can be classified as GRAS.
2. Resistance
    (Comment 18) Numerous comments relating to the issue of bacterial 
resistance were submitted in response to the 2013 Consumer Wash PR. 
Some comments argued that the pervasive use of consumer antiseptics 
poses an unacceptable risk for the development of resistance and that 
these products should be removed from the market. Other comments 
disagreed and criticized the data on which they believe FDA has based 
its concerns.
    Specifically, several comments dismissed the in vitro data cited by 
FDA in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR as not reflecting real-life 
conditions. The comments recommended that the most useful assessment of 
the risk of biocide resistance and cross-resistance to antibiotics are 
in-situ studies, studies of clinical and environmental strains, or 
biomonitoring studies. Some comments asserted that studies of this type 
have reinforced the evidence that resistance and cross-resistance 
associated with antiseptics is a laboratory phenomenon observed only 
when tests are conducted under unrealistic conditions. Another comment 
cited the conclusions of an International Conference on Antimicrobial 
Research held in 2012 on a possible connection between biocide 
(antiseptic or disinfectant) resistance and antibiotic resistance to 
support the point that there is no correlation between antiseptic use 
and antibiotic resistance (Ref. 16).
    (Response 18) Laboratory studies have identified and characterized 
bacterial resistance mechanisms that confer a reduced susceptibility to 
antiseptics and, in some cases, clinically relevant antibiotics (Refs. 
17 through 27). Bacteria expressing these resistance mechanisms with a 
decreased susceptibility to antiseptics have been isolated from a 
variety of natural settings (Refs. 28 through 30). These studies found 
that the prevalence of antiseptic tolerant subpopulations in the 
natural microbial populations studied is currently low. Morrissey et 
al. concluded, however, that their study findings could not rule out 
the existence of other resistant isolates that could be found if more 
isolates were analyzed.
    In general, studies have not clearly demonstrated an impact of 
antiseptic bacterial resistance mechanisms in the natural setting. 
However, the available studies have limitations. As FDA noted in the 
2013 Consumer Wash PR, studies in a natural setting that it evaluated 
were limited by the small numbers and types of organisms, the brief 
time

[[Page 61118]]

periods, and the locations examined; and more importantly, none of 
these studies address the level of exposure to the antiseptic active 
ingredient (Refs. 30 through 33) (78 FR 76444 at 76454). These 
limitations were also found in the studies cited by the comments (Refs. 
35 through 37). There was, however, one study that found a difference 
in the antiseptic and antibiotic susceptibilities of some of the 
bacteria evaluated (Ref. 38).
    Carson et al. assessed the effect of antibacterial product use 
(cleaning products containing quaternary ammonium compounds including 
benzalkonium chloride and hand soap containing 0.2 percent triclosan) 
in the home environment on susceptibility to benzalkonium chloride, 
triclosan, and antibiotics. Data were collected as part of a 
longitudinal double-blind, randomized clinical trial that compared the 
susceptibilities of bacteria isolated from antibacterial user and 
nonuser households at baseline and after 1 year. The MICs of 645 
isolates were evaluated. The study found that after 1 year of assigned 
product usage, bacterial isolates with high benzalkonium chloride MICs 
were more likely to have high triclosan MICs and be resistant to one or 
more antibiotics.
    Other data on a possible correlation between antiseptic and 
antibiotic resistance are conflicting. Copitch et al. found that the 
majority of isolates with decreased resistance to triclosan were also 
resistant to multiple antibiotics in their series of 428 isolates 
screened for decreased susceptibility to triclosan and a panel of 
antibiotics (Ref. 29). Conversely, Skovgaard et al. found no 
significant association between antibiotic resistance and triclosan 
tolerance when they compared the susceptibilities of current isolates 
of Staphylococcus epidermidis with isolates collected in the 1960s 
before introduction of triclosan to the market in Denmark (Ref. 30). An 
analysis of 1,600 isolates of Staphlococcus aureus has shown a moderate 
correlation between susceptibility to benzalkonium chloride and some 
classes of antibiotics (e.g., quinolones, beta-lactams, and 
macrolides), but not for triclosan (Ref. 39).
    In conclusion, bacteria expressing resistance mechanisms with a 
decreased susceptibility to antiseptics and some antibiotics have been 
isolated from a variety of natural settings (Refs. 28 and 29). Although 
the prevalence of antiseptic tolerant subpopulations in natural 
microbial populations is currently low, continued overuse of antiseptic 
active ingredients has the potential to select for resistant 
microorganisms.
    Adequate data do not currently exist to determine whether the 
development of bacterial antiseptic resistance could also select for 
antibiotic resistant bacteria or how significant this selective 
pressure would be relative to the overuse of antibiotics, an important 
driver for antibiotic resistance. Moreover, the possible correlation 
between antiseptic and antibiotic resistance is not the only concern. 
Reduced antiseptic susceptibility may allow the persistence of 
organisms in the presence of low-level residues and contribute to the 
survival of antibiotic resistant organisms. Data are not currently 
available to assess the magnitude of this risk.
    (Comment 19) Other comments disagreed that the development of 
resistance to a particular ingredient has been demonstrated. The 
comments also disagreed on the type of data needed to assess the risk 
of the development of resistance. One comment disagreed with the 
proposed testing described in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, arguing that 
there are no standard laboratory methods for evaluating the development 
of antimicrobial resistance. With regard to the recommendation for 
mechanism studies, some comments asserted that it is unlikely that this 
kind of information can be developed for all active ingredients, 
particularly given that the mechanism(s) of action may be concentration 
dependent and combination/formulation effects may be highly relevant. 
The comments also believed that data characterizing the potential for 
transferring a resistance determinant to other bacteria is an 
unrealistic requirement for a GRAS determination.
    Conversely, one comment recommended that antimicrobial resistance 
be addressed first through in vitro MIC determinations. If an organism 
is shown to develop resistance rapidly, then the comment recommended 
that FDA should consider this negative information in its evaluation. 
The comment believed that this test of the potential for the 
development of resistance is important because consumer compliance with 
recommended use of consumer antiseptic wash products is variable and 
products that result in rapid antimicrobial resistance would pose a 
public health risk.
    (Response 19) In the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, we proposed a tiered 
approach as an efficient means of developing data to address this 
issue. Laboratory studies were proposed as a feasible first step in 
evaluating the impact of exposure to nonlethal amounts of antiseptic 
active ingredients on antiseptic and antibiotic bacterial 
susceptibilities. We noted that only limited data exist on the effects 
of antiseptic exposure on the bacteria that are predominant in the oral 
cavity, gut, skin flora, and the environment, and that these organisms 
represent pools of resistance determinants that are potentially 
transferable to human pathogens (78 FR 76444 at 76457). Thus, we 
proposed broader laboratory testing of consumer antiseptic active 
ingredients that would more clearly define the scope of the impact of 
antiseptic active ingredients on the development of antibiotic 
resistance and may enable identification of those antiseptic active 
ingredients for which the development of resistance is not a concern. 
We are aware that there are no standard protocols for these studies. 
However, there are numerous publications in the literature of studies 
of this type that could provide guidance on the study design (Refs. 40 
through 44).
    For antiseptic active ingredients for which an effect on antiseptic 
and antibiotic susceptibilities is demonstrated, we proposed that 
additional data would be necessary to help assess the likelihood that 
changes in susceptibility observed in the preliminary studies would 
occur in the consumer setting. Several different types of data were 
recommended to assess whether or not ingredients with positive 
laboratory findings pose a public health risk, and the type of data 
needed would depend on what is already known about the antiseptic 
active ingredient's mechanism of action and persistence in the 
environment. We stated that we did not anticipate that it would be 
necessary to obtain data from multiple types of studies for each active 
ingredient to adequately assess its potential to affect resistance. 
Thus, the types of studies that would be acceptable to help address 
this issue are not limited to those described in the 2013 Consumer Wash 
PR (78 FR 76444 at 76457).
    (Comment 20) One comment noted that the recommendations in the 
proposed rule pertaining to the type of data that could be used did not 
consider the safety of usage of antiseptics for another sensitive 
population: The immunocompromised. The comment stated that this growing 
population may be at greater risk of developing bacterial resistance 
from repeated usage of antiseptics, and the comment noted the dangers 
that result from associated infections that are unresponsive to 
traditional antibiotics. The comment

[[Page 61119]]

submitted no data to support its assertion, but asserted that there is 
a need for research to clarify whether the bacterial composition of 
immunocompromised individuals is adequately represented by the bacteria 
identified for testing in the proposed rule. The comment also suggested 
that there may be an additional need to perform surveillance of the 
effects seen in the immunocompromised after the use of consumer 
antiseptics for increased risk of bacterial resistance, because this 
has been demonstrated in clinical settings. Another comment recommended 
that FDA require that manufacturers establish and maintain active 
surveillance of this issue and require that this information be 
submitted to FDA every year.
    (Response 20) We acknowledge that there are segments of the general 
population that may be more at risk from antiseptic/antibiotic cross-
resistance and that further research is needed to address this facet of 
this issue. However, because no monograph is being established for the 
consumer antiseptic wash active ingredients in this final rule, the 
requests for an FDA requirement for active surveillance of this issue 
do not apply for purposes of this final rule.
3. Alternatives to Animal Studies
    (Comment 21) One comment requested that FDA provide guidance on how 
to reduce the use of animals in testing done to assess the safety of 
consumer antiseptic washes. The comment recommended that FDA require 
manufacturers to conduct efficacy testing in humans before safety 
testing in animals and to share the data resulting from any animal 
testing they conduct. The comment also recommended that FDA accept data 
from non-animal safety tests.
    In addition, the comment recommended that FDA reduce the number of 
rodent cancer bioassays required, by allowing for the extrapolation of 
data from the dermal route of administration to the oral route, and 
from the oral route to the dermal route. The comment requested that FDA 
consider whether physiologically based toxicokinetic modeling (PBTK), 
along with certain non-animal in vivo and in vitro absorption, 
distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) data, could support 
route-to-route extrapolation. The comment further recommended that FDA 
adopt in vitro testing strategies to replace testing using animal 
models. Lastly, the comment stated that FDA should require 
manufacturers to share the data resulting from any animal testing they 
conduct.
    (Response 21) The required number of rodent cancer bioassay studies 
have in some cases been reduced for drug products; for instance, a 
waiver of dermal carcinogenicity may be considered for a substance used 
previously by another route if a chronic dermal study in an appropriate 
non-rodent species shows no potential neoplastic effects and there are 
no other causes for concern, such as absence of a positive genotoxicity 
signal and absence of association of exposure to the drug with a 
positive tumor signal in systemic carcinogenicity data (Refs. 45 and 
46). However, at this point, the Agency has not adopted a policy 
regarding the use of route to route extrapolation method using 
alternatives to animal testing such as in vitro data, ADME and PBTK 
tools.
    We understand that animal use in tests for the efficacy and safety 
of human and animal products has been and continues to be a concern. We 
encourage sponsors to consult with us on non-animal testing methods 
they believe may be suitable, adequate, validated, and feasible. We are 
willing to consider if alternative methods could be assessed for 
equivalency to an animal test method.
    However, there are still many areas where animal testing is 
considered necessary and non-animal testing is not yet a fully 
available option. FDA continues to support efforts to reduce animal 
testing, particularly whenever new alternative methods for safety 
evaluation have been validated and accepted by International Council on 
Harmonization (ICH) regulatory authorities, but these efforts have not 
yet resulted in the development of alternative testing that eliminate 
animal testing altogether. We will not be discussing further in this 
final rule the specific issues raised in the comments on animal testing 
because these issues are outside the scope of this rulemaking.
    With respect to the recommendation that FDA require manufacturers 
to share the data resulting from any animal testing they conduct, FDA 
regulations require that data and information relevant to the monograph 
and a GRAS/GRAE determination be submitted to the docket for that 
monograph and made publicly available (Sec.  330.10(a)(2)). 
Accordingly, any such animal testing data should be publicly available 
and can be obtained from the docket for this rulemaking. We also note 
that although there is a process for submitting confidential 
information, the OTC drug monograph process is generally a public 
process. The Agency considers either non-confidential material that is 
submitted to the docket or information that is publicly available when 
making its evaluation of whether a given ingredient is GRAS/GRAE.

E. Comments on Active Ingredients and FDA Response

1. Ethanol
    (Comment 22) A comment was submitted to this docket regarding the 
GRAS status of ethanol.
    (Response 22) This active ingredient is not marketed as a consumer 
antiseptic wash product, and, therefore is not addressed. We will 
address this comment, and any other comments regarding the GRAS status 
of ethanol, to the extent that it applies to indications reviewed in 
the 2015 Health Care Antiseptic PR and the 2016 Consumer Rub PR.
2. Cetylpyridinium Chloride
    (Comment 23) As noted in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, subsequent to 
the 1994 TFM we received requests that certain active ingredients be 
added to the antibacterial monograph (78 FR 764444 at 76448). One of 
these submissions included a citizen petition that requested that we 
allow the use of cetylpyridinium chloride as an antibacterial active 
ingredient for household liquid soap (Ref. 47).
    (Response 23) In the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, we identified certain 
active ingredients, including cetylpyridinium chloride that we 
considered ineligible for evaluation under the OTC Drug Review as a 
consumer antiseptic wash. We noted that if the requested documentation 
for eligibility was submitted, these active ingredients, including 
cetylpyridinium chloride, could be determined to be eligible for 
evaluation (78 FR 76444 at 76448). Neither the citizen petition, nor 
other submissions we have received in this rulemaking, include 
documentation demonstrating the eligibility of cetylpryridinium 
chloride for evaluation under the OTC Drug Review for use as a consumer 
antiseptic wash. Consequently, this citizen petition is denied and as 
indicated in section II.D, we consider consumer antiseptic wash 
products containing cetylpyridinium chloride to be new drugs that 
require FDA approval through the NDA process.
3. Hexylrescorinol
    In the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, FDA proposed to classify 
hexylresorcinol as Category III for both safety and efficacy (78 FR 
76444 at 76458). FDA determined that the administrative record for the 
safety of hexylresorcinol

[[Page 61120]]

was incomplete with respect to the following:

 Human pharmacokinetic studies under the maximal use conditions 
when applied topically, including documentation of validation of the 
methods used to measure hexylresorcinol and its metabolites
 Animal pharmacokinetic studies on ADME
 Data to help define the effect of formulation on dermal 
absorption
 Dermal carcinogenicity
 Developmental and reproductive toxicity (DART) data
 Potential hormonal effects
 Data from laboratory studies that assess the potential for the 
development of resistance to hexylresorcinol and cross-resistance to 
antibiotics in the types of organisms listed in section VII.C.3 of the 
2013 Consumer Wash PR (78 FR 76444 at 76457)

    (Comment 24) One comment referenced a 13-week oral toxicology study 
from the National Toxicology Program (NTP) conducted in rats, in which 
there were reports of reduction in the size of seminal vesicles and 
hypospermatogenesis (abnormally low sperm production). The comment 
asserted that FDA should evaluate these effects on the male rat 
reproductive organs to fill the DART data gap for hexylresorcinol.
    (Response 24) Although this technical report was cited in the 2013 
Consumer Wash PR (78 FR 76444 at 76475, Ref. 120) for hexylresorcinol, 
the data in this 13-week study is not sufficient to conduct an adequate 
DART assessment for hexylresorcinol (Ref. 48). Specifically, the NTP 
report described toxicity and carcinogenicity studies of 
hexylresorcinol. The report consisted of three sets of studies, 16-day 
studies, 13-week studies, and 2-year studies, all conducted in mice and 
rats of both sexes. Although the findings in the 13-week studies appear 
to show an effect of hexylresorcinol on the reproductive system in 
high-dose male rats, according to the NTP report, there was no 
difference in the reproductive findings between controls and high-dose-
treated males. No adverse findings were noted for the reproductive 
organs examined in males and females treated with high doses of 
hexylresorcinol in the 2-year carcinogenicity studies in rats and mice. 
However, the findings from the general toxicity studies (13-week and 2-
year carcinogenicity studies) do not address all relevant reproductive 
and developmental endpoints for hexylresorcinol. Accordingly, we find 
that the safety data gap for DART for hexylresorcinol has not been 
adequately addressed. No new data were submitted to the docket to fill 
other safety data gaps identified in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR. In 
addition, as discussed in section IV of this document, no new data were 
submitted to the docket to demonstrate the effectiveness of the active 
ingredients subject to this final rule, including hexylresorcinol, for 
use as a consumer antiseptic wash product. Therefore, hexylresorcinol 
is not GRAS/GRAE for use in consumer antiseptic wash products.
4. Iodophors/Povidone-Iodine
    In the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, we proposed to classify iodophor 
complexes, including povidone-iodine, 5-10 percent, as Category III, 
determining that the available safety and effectiveness data were 
insufficient and further testing was required (78 FR 76444 at 76459). 
FDA determined that the administrative record for the safety of 
iodophors was incomplete with respect to the following:

 Human studies of the absorption of iodine following maximal 
dermal exposure to the complexes
 Human absorption studies of the carrier molecule for small 
molecular weight povidone molecules and the other carriers listed in 
the 2013 Consumer Wash PR
 Dermal carcinogenicity studies for each of the iodophor 
complexes
 Data from laboratory studies that assess the potential for the 
development of resistance to iodine and cross-resistance to antibiotics 
in the types of organisms listed in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR (78 FR 
76444 at 76453)

    (Comment 25) One comment requested that the Agency clarify that 
multiuse consumer antiseptic products containing the active ingredient 
povidone-iodine intended for first aid use and general purpose 
antiseptic cleansing and labeled for only short-term use over limited 
areas of the skin are outside the scope of the 2013 Consumer Antiseptic 
PR. The comment explained that the skin cleanser's primary use is as a 
first aid antiseptic and it is sold in the first aid aisle of retail 
stores. They also explained that although the labeling provides for 
uses as a wash, it recommends only short term use over limited areas of 
the skin, consistent with the 1991 First Aid TFM; and thus, the safety 
studies proposed in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR should not be required 
for such multiuse skin cleansing products. The comments also requested 
that if FDA determines that multiuse antiseptic products are within the 
scope of the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, that a category I classification be 
maintained for povidone-iodine, 5-10 percent, with a molecular weight 
at or above 35,000 Daltons.
    (Response 25) The testing requirements for a GRAS/GRAE finding as 
proposed in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, apply to all consumer antiseptic 
wash products containing the active ingredients that are the subject of 
this final rule and that are intended to be used with water, such as 
antibacterial soaps and antibacterial hand washes (76 FR 76444 at 
76446). If the labeling for these products contains an indication for 
use as a consumer antiseptic wash, then the product is subject to the 
testing requirements of the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, even if the labeling 
also contains an indication for other uses, such as for a first aid 
antiseptic.
    Moreover, because consumer antiseptic washes may be used on 
multiple occasions throughout a person's lifetime, this use pattern is 
considered to be chronic. According to the International Council for 
Harmonization guideline, a use is considered chronic if a certain drug 
is used for a period of at least 6 months over the user's lifetime, 
including repeated, intermittent use. Thus, chronic exposure testing is 
necessary for a GRAS/GRAE determination for the active ingredients used 
in these consumer antiseptic wash products even if a particular 
ingredient's labeling recommends that the product's use should be 
limited in duration.
    In addition, we decline to classify povidone-iodine 5-10 percent 
with a molecular weight at or above 35,000 Daltons as Category I (GRAS/
GRAE) for use in consumer washes. Although we stated in the 2013 
Consumer Wash PR that the larger molecular weight-size povidone 
molecules pose no risk of absorption, and we only requested human 
absorption studies of the carrier molecule for small molecular weight 
povidone molecules, there are still remaining safety data gaps for the 
iodophors, including large molecule povidone-iodine (76 FR 76444 at 
76459 to 76461). For example, we determined that the administrative 
record for the safety of iodophors was incomplete for dermal 
carcinogenicity studies. Accordingly, because the safety data gaps have 
not been addressed, we cannot make a GRAS determination on the 
iodophors, including the large molecule povidone-iodine.
    (Comment 26) Another comment stated that human absorption data 
required for the iodophors should take precedence over the requirement 
for dermal carcinogenicity studies to fill the

[[Page 61121]]

safety data gaps for the iodophors. The comment argued that data from 
the human absorption studies may reduce the number of carcinogenicity 
studies needed to fill the safety data gaps for iodophors.
    (Response 26) Antiseptic products, such as povidone-iodine, are 
applied topically and require toxicological evaluation in dermal 
studies to assess the potential safety signals following the exposure. 
The reason for requiring dermal assessment is because the skin dose 
resulting from a topically applied drug product can be much higher than 
the dose detected in the skin as a result of systemic exposure. In 
addition, systemic exposure to the parent drug and metabolites can 
differ significantly in topically applied products compared to orally 
administered products because the skin has its own metabolic 
capability, and the first-pass metabolism, which is available following 
oral exposure, is bypassed in the topical route of administration. In 
some cases, a waiver of dermal carcinogenicity may be considered for a 
substance used previously by another route if a chronic dermal study in 
an appropriate non-rodent species shows no potential neoplastic effects 
and there are no other causes for concern, such as absence of a 
positive genotoxicity signal and absence of association of exposure to 
the drug with a positive tumor signal in systemic carcinogenicity data 
(Refs. 45 and 46). Furthermore, the absence of significant systemic 
absorption is not a qualifying reason to waive the requirement for the 
dermal carcinogenicity study.
    (Comment 27) A comment submitted on behalf of a marketer of an OTC 
antiseptic product containing povidone-iodine asserted that povidone-
iodine does not pose a risk for the development of resistance (see 
section III.D.2 for a more general discussion on resistance). The 
comment noted that none of the studies cited in the 2013 Consumer Wash 
PR concerning the development of antiseptic/antibiotic resistance 
involve povidone-iodine. The comment stated that historically, 
povidone-iodine has not been associated with the development of 
resistance, and that it has been found to be a useful tool against 
several multidrug resistant bacteria. In support of its position, the 
comment submitted data on the chemistry and antimicrobial effects of 
povidone-iodine and studies of povidone-iodine's in vitro and in vivo 
effectiveness (Refs. 49 through 54).
    (Response 27) Elemental iodine, which is the active antimicrobial 
component of iodine containing antiseptics like povidone-iodine, is 
generally believed to be nonspecific in its antimicrobial action (Ref. 
55). The antimicrobial activity of iodine is caused by its oxidizing 
effects on amino (NH-), thiol (SH-), phenolic hydroxyl (OH-) groups of 
amino acids and nucleotides. These reactions lead to a loss in protein 
structure and function and an inhibition of protein synthesis. Iodine 
also reacts with the double bonds of unsaturated fatty acid components 
of cell wall and organelle membranes, compromising the integrity of 
these structures. The effects of povidone-iodine on cell ultrastructure 
have been observed at concentrations as low as 0.025 percent povidone-
iodine in Staphylococcus aureus, Esherichia coli, and Candida albicans 
(Ref. 49). A decrease in enzyme ([beta]-galactosidase) activity and 
nucleotide efflux was also apparent at 0.42 and 0.83 percent povidone-
iodine (Ref. 49). These concentrations are well below the 
concentrations of povidone-iodine found in currently marketed products.
    A search of the published literature revealed two studies that 
attempted to select for resistant bacterial strains after repeated 
exposure to sublethal concentrations of povidone-iodine (Refs. 56 and 
57). Houang et al. studied the potential for the development of 
resistance to povidone-iodine by serial passage of two strains of each 
of the following organisms: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella aerogenes, and 
one strain of Serratia marcescens in sub-inhibitory concentrations 
(Ref. 56). The authors reported no significant differences in MIC, 
minimum bactericidal concentration, or killing time after 20 passages. 
Similarly, Prince et al. reported that they had failed to detect any 
changes in the MIC of six Gram-negative bacteria (Proteus mirabilis, 
Serratia marcescens, Serratia rubidaea, Pseudomonas cepacia (now known 
as Burkholderia cepacia), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella 
enteritidis) after 20 serial passages in povidone-iodine (Ref. 57).
    The search also revealed some reports of Burkholderia cepacia 
contamination of povidone-iodine products (Refs. 58 through 62). 
However, the antiseptic susceptibilities of the organisms isolated were 
never established, making it hard to determine whether the 
contamination was the result of an existing intrinsic antiseptic 
resistance that has been associated with Burkholderia cepacia or the 
development of an increased tolerance. In addition, the literature 
search revealed no reports of the development of resistance to 
povidone-iodine. Consequently, given iodine's multiple nonspecific 
toxic effects on bacteria at low concentrations and the lack of reports 
of the development of resistance to iodine, there currently are 
insufficient data on which to base a concern about the development of 
resistance to povidone-iodine. Consequently, additional data on the 
development of antimicrobial resistance to povidone-iodine are not 
needed to make a GRAS determination.
5. Triclocarban
    In the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, FDA proposed to classify triclocarban 
as Category III for safety and efficacy (78 FR 76444 at 76449). FDA 
determined that the administrative record for the safety of 
triclocarban was incomplete with respect to the following:

 Human pharmacokinetic studies under the maximal use conditions 
when applied topically, including documentation of validation of the 
methods used to measure triclocarban and its metabolites
 Animal pharmacokinetic studies on ADME
 Data to help define the effect of formulation on dermal 
absorption
 Dermal carcinogenicity
 Developmental and reproductive toxicity data
 Potential hormonal effects
 Data from laboratory studies that assess the potential for the 
development of resistance to triclocarban and cross-resistance to 
antibiotics in the types of organisms listed in section VII.C.3 of the 
2013 Consumer Wash PR (78 FR 76444 at 76456 to 76462)

    (Comment 28) One comment referenced a DART study conducted by 
Monsanto in 1979. The study was summarized in a triclocarban data set 
compiled in 2002 by the Triclocarban (TCC) Consortium and the Soap and 
Detergent Association. The comment requested that FDA evaluate the 
results of the study to fill the DART safety gap for triclocarban.
    (Response 28) The TCC Consortium Report was retrieved from the 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) High Production Volume 
Information System Web site. We were unable to locate the 1979 Monsanto 
study in the docket and it does not appear to be available in the 
public domain. Thus, we cannot review this study for purposes of this 
final rule. The data cited in the TCC Consortium data set are 
proprietary and are publicly available only in the form of a summary 
(Ref. 63). In addition, the submitted safety assessments with the study 
summaries do not constitute an adequate record on which to base a GRAS 
classification (Sec.  330.10(a)(4)(i)). For FDA to evaluate

[[Page 61122]]

the safety of triclocarban for this rulemaking, there must be published 
studies or publicly available data with sufficient details that enable 
an independent review of such data.
    (Comment 29) One comment also stated that triclocarban was 
nominated to the NTP for toxicological evaluation in 2014, and based on 
this nomination, a Research Concept has been adopted by NTP (Ref. 64). 
The comment asserted that the author of the Triclocarban Research 
Concept only discussed FDA's proposal in regard to human absorption 
studies even though it identified several data gaps that were 
identified by FDA, including ADME and DART studies. The comment 
concluded that FDA should coordinate its efforts with those of the NTP 
to ensure that experiments on the toxicological testing of triclocarban 
are not being duplicated.
    (Response 29) We concur with the comment that FDA should coordinate 
efforts with NTP. NTP through collaboration with FDA regularly meets 
with FDA scientists to coordinate research efforts and eliminate 
duplicative work whenever possible. Although this ongoing study may 
provide important information on triclocarban, there are still other 
missing data gaps for triclocarban for which information has not been 
submitted and no interested parties have committed to filling these 
data gaps. Accordingly, deferring consideration of this active 
ingredient until the study is completed is unwarranted.
    In conclusion, we find that the safety data gap for DART for 
triclocarban has not been adequately addressed. No new data for 
triclocarban were submitted to the docket to fill other safety data 
gaps identified in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR. In addition, as discussed 
in section IV, no new data were submitted to the docket to demonstrate 
the effectiveness of the active ingredients subject to this final rule, 
including triclocarban, for use as a consumer antiseptic wash product. 
Therefore, triclocarban is not considered GRAS/GRAE for use in consumer 
antiseptic wash products.
6. Triclosan
    In the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, the Agency found that the 
administrative record for triclosan was incomplete with respect to 
several safety data and requested that additional information be 
submitted for the following safety gaps (76 FR 76444 at 76467 to 
76470):

 Animal ADME
 Dermal carcinogenicity
 Data regarding the potential for formation of photodegradation 
products on human skin and their effects on the skin
 Potential hormonal effects
 Data to clarify the relevance of antimicrobial resistance 
laboratory findings to the consumer setting

    (Comment 30) In response to the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, several 
comments were submitted regarding the safety data gaps for triclosan. 
One comment argued that recent and existing studies on triclosan in 
each of the safety categories prove that the existing studies, 
including additional studies that were not cited in the 2013 Consumer 
Wash PR, are adequate to classify triclosan as GRAS.
    (Response 30) FDA has conducted a thorough review of all existing 
and new data that have been submitted to the docket for this 
rulemaking, including recent studies, as well as opinion papers 
published by other regulatory agencies regarding the safety of 
triclosan. In some cases, we identified new data that have been 
published since the 2013 Consumer Wash PR--for example, the new animal 
ADME dermal data discussed in the following section. In other cases, no 
new data having an impact on the safety profile of triclosan were 
identified--for example, we found that certain references submitted in 
one of the comments did not provide additional information that would 
have an impact on the safety assessment of triclosan (Refs. 65 through 
67). In sum, the total available data regarding the safety profile of 
triclosan does not contain sufficient information to determine that 
triclosan is GRAS for use in consumer antiseptic wash products.
    In the following sections, we discuss comments addressing the 
specific safety data gaps for triclosan.
a. Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) Data
    The 2013 Consumer Wash PR discussed in detail the animal ADME data 
available for triclosan (78 FR 76444 at 76467) and the data that were 
still lacking. FDA requested that additional ADME data be submitted to 
allow bridging of animal data to human exposure.
    (Comment 31) Several comments were submitted regarding animal ADME 
data for triclosan. Some of the comments asserted that oral absorption, 
metabolism, and excretion are comparable between hamsters and humans, 
justifying data extrapolation. They also asserted that oral absorption 
data are complete in all species tested and that metabolism is similar 
for both dermal and oral exposure. In addition, some of the comments 
urged FDA to evaluate key toxicokinetic studies in hamsters, mice, and 
rats that have been submitted as part of the European Union's 
Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals 
registration, as well as evaluate other referenced publications of 
regulatory agencies.
    (Response 31) We agree that there are a number of similarities in 
pharmacokinetic parameters between humans and hamsters; however, the 
hamster data available do not include dermal ADME data that can be 
compared to the metabolic profile in humans following dermal exposure 
to triclosan.
    We have reviewed data that were submitted to the docket for this 
rulemaking, including recent studies that were published after the 2013 
Consumer Wash PR, as well as opinion papers published by other 
regulatory agencies regarding the safety of triclosan (Ref. 68). With 
the exception of one study that we have identified that provided new 
animal dermal ADME data, there were no additional ADME data for 
triclosan that were submitted to the docket. The ADME study that was 
identified has been recently published by National Center for 
Toxicology Research (NCTR) scientists (Ref. 68) where a 13-week dermal-
dose range-finding toxicity study was conducted to determine the ADME 
profile of triclosan after dermal exposure in mice. Based on a previous 
dermal toxicity study in the mouse where a no observed adverse effect 
level of 12.5 milligram (mg)/kilogram (kg) of body weight (bw)/day was 
shown, doses of 10 and 100 mg/kg bw triclosan were used. In this study, 
mice of both sexes were exposed to topical application of 
[\14\C(U)]triclosan (10 or 100 mg triclosan/kg body weight) in 95 
percent ethanol up to 72 hours post exposure. Treated mice were covered 
with Elizabethan collars to prevent inadvertent oral ingestion of 
triclosan. As a comparator group, mice of both sexes were dosed with 
100 mg/kg bw where Elizabethan collars were not placed on their necks 
to determine the extent of oral ingestion because of the normal 
grooming behavior in mice. The study reported a dose-dependent increase 
in absorption was noted when comparing the 10 mg/kg bw to the 100 mg/kg 
bw. The study also reported that distribution of radiolabeled 
[\14\C(U)]triclosan was evaluated to determine distribution up to 72 
hours after dosing in the plasma and liver. The earliest radioactivity 
measureable was seen as early as 30 minutes post dosing, while maximum 
distribution was reached at approximately 8 to 12 hours after dosing 
for both plasma and liver. The major metabolite detected in the plasma 
and liver was triclosan sulfate, whereas the minor metabolite was

[[Page 61123]]

triclosan glucuronide. Maximum levels occurred 12 to 24 hours after 
dosing, and the excretion half-life (t1/2E) ranged from 9.3 
to 23.1 hours. The study also reported that the majority of the 
excretion monitored over 72 hours occurred via the feces in both sexes 
and that fecal excretion of the absorbed triclosan was ~2.5 to 6-fold 
greater than urinary excretion.
    The data obtained from this study can be used to extrapolate a 
safety margin for humans following chronic dermal exposure once the 
dermal carcinogenicity study in the mouse, which is currently ongoing 
at the NCTR, is completed. No further data is needed for the animal 
ADME for triclosan.
b. Photodegradation and Phototoxicity
    (Comment 32) Several comments were submitted regarding the 
phototoxicity of triclosan. One comment explained that a study is 
currently ongoing at the NTP in response to the data gap on dermal 
photocarcinogenicity from dioxins formed by light-induced degradation 
of triclosan. The comments urged FDA to await the results of this study 
before any further studies are conducted. Two other comments argued 
that concern about triclosan dermal photolysis to ``dioxins'' is 
unfounded, and that the most likely photolysis product, 2, 8-
dichlorbenzodioxin is toxicologically inert based on the toxicology 
equivalency factor (TEF) concept (which compares the toxicity of known 
members for a given chemical family and attributes a specific TEF for 
each compound compared to the most toxic chemical of that family).
    (Response 32) We note that the comments did not provide any further 
justification or calculation of the TEF for the photolysis product, 2, 
8-dichlorbenzodioxin, to support the claim that FDA's concern about 
triclosan dermal photolysis to ``dioxins'' is unfounded. Instead, an 
assumption was made that 2, 8-dichlorbenzodioxin is toxicologically 
inert based on the TEF concept. The TEF concept refers only to adverse 
effects (e.g., cancer) following interactions with their targets (e.g., 
cellular aryl hydrocarbon receptors). Other toxic effects of dioxins 
and dioxin-like compounds are not quantified by this method. In 
addition, TEF values vary for different animal species. Therefore, the 
ability of triclosan degradants, which belong to the dioxin family, to 
form photodegradation products on human skin cannot be assessed using 
the TEF concept. Furthermore, it is currently unknown whether the 
photoactivity of triclosan is caused by one of the photoproducts or 
caused by the interaction of triclosan itself with ultraviolet (UV) 
light.
    (Comment 33) Another comment stated that triclosan has been found 
to degrade into four different byproducts under certain conditions: 2, 
7-dibenzodichloro-p-dioxin; 2, 8-dibenzodichloro-p-dioxin; 2, 4-
dichlorophenol (DCP); and 2, 4, 6- trichlorophenol (TCP). In the 
presence of UV light (sunlight), triclosan has been shown to degrade 
into two dioxins: 2, 7-dibenzodichloro-p-dioxin; and 2, 8-
dibenzodichloro-p-dioxin. The comment suggested that although the 
concentrations of the degradants are low, dioxin byproducts raise some 
concern because of their potential to accumulate in the human body 
because of their lipophilicity. Both 2, 4-DCP and 2, 4, 6-TCP are more 
stable than triclosan, suggesting that the degradants may have longer 
half-lives than the parent drug, triclosan.
    (Response 33) Regardless of the causative chemical, it is unknown 
at this time whether exposure to triclosan under UV light will lead to 
phototoxicity or photocarcinogenicity events. In conclusion, the 
comments provided insufficient data and information for assessing the 
photodegradation of triclosan on human skin. Accordingly, the safety 
data gap for triclosan regarding the potential for formation of 
photodegradation products on human skin and their effects on the skin 
has not been filled.
c. Dermal Carcinogenicity
    (Comment 34) Several comments were received regarding the dermal 
carcinogenicity of triclosan. One comment argued that, based on FDA and 
EPA assessments, oral carcinogenicity studies in hamsters, rats, and 
mice, supported by negative in vitro and in vivo mutagenicity studies 
show that triclosan is not a carcinogen. Therefore, the comments argued 
that the ongoing dermal carcinogenicity study is unnecessary. Another 
comment stated that dermal carcinogenicity is not supported by existing 
data, and no chemical having negative mutagenicity and oral 
carcinogenicity data should be expected to demonstrate dermal 
carcinogenicity potential.
    (Response 34) We disagree that no dermal carcinogenicity study is 
needed for triclosan based only on the negative mutagenicity and oral 
carcinogenicity studies. The requirement for dermal assessment is based 
on several factors: First, the dose available to the skin tissue 
resulting from a topically applied drug product can be much higher than 
that from a dose resulting from systemic exposure. In addition, 
systemic exposure to the parent drug and metabolites can differ 
significantly in topically applied products compared to orally 
administered products because the skin has its own metabolic 
capability, and the first-pass metabolism, which is available following 
oral exposure, is bypassed in the topical route of administration. As 
was explained in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, we reiterate here that 
short-term dermal toxicity studies do not meet the chronic duration 
requirement for a given drug to cause an increase in the carcinogenic 
potential resulting from a lifelong exposure to a drug, such as 
triclosan, which is used by consumers from various products over a 
lifetime. In addition, we note that the 13-week dermal toxicity study 
showed dose-related dermal adverse effects, which further amplifies the 
need to evaluate longer term toxicity studies, such as the 2-year 
dermal carcinogenicity bioassay. A dermal carcinogenicity study is 
currently ongoing at NCTR but has not been completed at this time. 
Although this ongoing study may provide important information on 
triclosan, there are still other missing data gaps for triclosan for 
which information has not been submitted and no interested parties have 
committed to filling these data gaps. In sum, no new data or 
information were submitted to the docket to fill the dermal 
carcinogenicity safety data gap for triclosan.
d. Hormonal Effects
    In the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, we stated that recent studies have 
demonstrated that triclosan showed effects on the thyroid, estrogen, 
and testosterone systems in several animal species, including mammals, 
the implications of which on human health, especially for children, are 
still not well understood (78 FR 76444 at 76468).
    (Comment 35) One comment stated that the Organisation for Economic 
Co-operation and Development (OECD) TG 443 extended one-generation 
reproductive toxicity assay provides an alternative to animal studies 
and includes endocrine-sensitive endpoints. The comment asserted that 
the OECD TG 443 study design allows for investigation of developmental 
toxicity, developmental immunotoxicity, or developmental neurotoxicity 
in the same study, and that non-animal methods, when used in an 
integrated system, can provide embryotoxicity and teratogenicity 
information. The comment also referenced several other non-animal 
assays that were conducted to assess the reproductive toxicity 
potential for triclosan.

[[Page 61124]]

    (Response 35) We reviewed all available data on the hormonal 
effects of triclosan, including those generated from the extended one-
generation reproductive toxicity assay mentioned previously in this 
document. We also reviewed the previously conducted studies for 
triclosan (general toxicity and reproductive toxicity) where 
reproductive toxicity endpoints were evaluated; however, we note that 
the previously conducted studies were not designed to investigate 
specific endpoints for evaluating the hormonal effects of triclosan, 
especially with respect to the thyroid findings. In terms of the 
alternative animal model argument, it is possible that in some 
instances that non-animal assays, such as those referenced in comment 
35, can be used to explore potential DART findings for a new chemical 
entity. However, in the case of triclosan, there are many in vivo 
studies that have assessed DART endpoints, thus making the reliance on 
findings from the referenced non-animal assays unnecessary.
    (Comment 36) Several other comments asserted that the existing 
database of in vitro and in vivo animal and human studies does not 
support a conclusion that triclosan causes hormonal effects in humans 
at actual relevant exposure concentrations. The comments asserted that 
the reports of high throughput screening and animal studies showing 
thyroid or other hormonal activity demonstrated conflicting results for 
the effects of triclosan on various hormonal endpoints (androgen-, 
estrogen-, and thyroid-related toxicity). One comment also argued that 
additional testing for potential hormonal effects is not justified 
because of the existence of adequate reproductive toxicity data that, 
given the doses used, endpoints measured and study duration, should 
have detected a potential for the indication of biologically 
significant androgen-, estrogen-, or thyroid-related toxicity if such 
toxicity occurred. The comment maintained that available in vitro high 
throughput screen information on these endpoints fails to indicate a 
justifiable level of concern.
    (Response 36) We agree that some data for hormonal effects for 
triclosan can be gleaned from previously conducted studies (chronic 
toxicity, DART, and multigenerational studies). Although we concur that 
the previously conducted toxicology and reproductive studies can be 
useful, we note that the previously conducted studies were not designed 
to investigate specific endpoints for evaluating the hormonal effects 
of triclosan. In particular, the effects of triclosan on the thyroid 
gland during critical windows of growth and development when subtle 
functional and/or histopathologic changes are taking place could result 
in disturbing the normal homeostasis of the organism; for example, 
whether long-term exposure to triclosan is associated with an adverse 
impact on the growth or neurobehavioral aspects of animals treated 
during critical windows of development is currently unknown.
    We have evaluated the recently published articles in the literature 
reporting on the endocrine effects of triclosan in mammalian species. 
Data available to date do not provide conclusive evidence regarding the 
effects of triclosan on the levels of estrogen, androgen, and thyroid 
hormones and whether a link between the hormonal effects and the 
biologically relevant outcomes on the tested animal model can be drawn. 
Although no significant findings were noted for reproductive endpoints, 
the thyroid gland may be a potential target for triclosan in animals 
exposed to high doses of triclosan. The reported findings in the 
thyroid included a dose dependent decrease in the levels of some 
thyroid hormones in the rat model (T3 & T4) (Ref. 
69). This observation was seen in pubertal males and females, in 
pregnant dams and their pre-weaned exposed pups, as well as in young 
male and female rats (up to day 53 postpartum age). It is also 
important to note that the available rat studies for which the thyroid 
effects were investigated in detail only covered a short duration (up 
to 30 days of exposure). These changes seen in thyroid hormone levels 
in the rat do not necessarily predict a similar scenario in humans 
because of differences in the physiology and metabolic characteristics 
that triclosan imparts on the hormonal homeostasis in the two species. 
Based on the available data, a conclusion regarding the significance of 
the thyroid findings in the rat to that in humans cannot be made. Using 
a weight-of-evidence approach for the thyroid findings, we find that no 
further nonclinical data are recommended for the characterization of 
potential hormonal effects of triclosan in humans. Available in vitro 
and in vivo animal studies cannot be used to predict a potential human 
hormonal signal. Clinical studies may be better able to evaluate the 
effects of triclosan on the endocrine system in humans.
e. Resistance
    (Comment 37) Comments from a manufacturer of consumer antiseptic 
products containing triclosan asserted that there is no proof of 
triclosan resistance or confirmation that triclosan/antibiotic cross-
resistance is becoming a problem in the real world. The comment also 
noted that although bacteria can develop reduced susceptibilities to 
triclosan in the laboratory, the level of sensitivity is still well 
below the at-use concentration. However, other comments disagreed and 
argued that recent studies provide evidence of the development of 
resistance to triclosan (Refs. 29 and 30).
    (Response 37) We agree that currently there is no evidence of 
bacterial resistance to actual-use concentrations of triclosan. 
However, bacterial exposure to triclosan is not limited to actual-use 
concentrations. In a natural setting, bacteria are exposed to sublethal 
concentrations of the antiseptic active ingredient that can trigger the 
expression of bacterial resistance mechanisms. The European 
Commission's Subcommittee on Consumer Safety noted that there are 
environmental concentrations of triclosan in a number of geographically 
distinct areas that were high enough to suggest that this triggering of 
bacterial resistance could occur (Ref.70). Furthermore, as previously 
discussed, there are data that document the existence of numerous 
bacterial resistance mechanisms to triclosan, and there is some 
expression of these mechanisms in the natural microbial populations. 
Although the available studies do not prove definitively that 
triclosan/antibiotic resistance currently poses a public health risk, 
they do suggest that susceptibility to triclosan may be decreasing. 
Data are not currently available to assess the magnitude of this risk 
that triclosan poses for the development of resistance. As we stated in 
the in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, data to clarify the relevance of 
antimicrobial resistance laboratory findings to the consumer setting 
would be necessary to determine the GRAS status of triclosan.
f. Other Issues
    (Comment 38) Several comments expressed concern that antiseptic 
chemicals, including triclosan, are contaminating waterways and aquatic 
wildlife, and are having a negative impact on the wastewater treatment 
process and the environment. The comments supported restrictions on the 
use of triclosan in consumer antiseptic washes and urged FDA and EPA to 
coordinate their evaluation of chemicals like triclosan to better 
protect human health and the environment, as well as protect the 
wastewater treatment process.

[[Page 61125]]

    (Response 38) We do not address these comments in this final rule 
because they are outside the scope of this rulemaking. We note, 
however, that we have conferred with EPA, wherever there were issues in 
common between the two Agencies (e.g., some of the animal toxicology 
studies were independently reviewed by both EPA and FDA), at various 
stages of the antiseptic proceedings on matters applicable to these 
rulemakings.
    In sum, the total available data regarding the safety profile of 
triclosan do not contain sufficient information to find that triclosan 
is GRAS for use in consumer antiseptic wash products. Moreover, we 
reviewed studies submitted in the comments to support efficacy for 
triclosan. These studies are not designed as adequate and well-
controlled clinical outcome studies and are not sufficient to determine 
the GRAE status of triclosan as a topical antiseptic. Moreover, these 
studies lack an adequate vehicle or placebo controls, which makes it 
difficult to determine the contribution of antiseptic hand wash 
implementation to reduction of methicillin-resistance Staphylococcus 
aureus infections. Thus, we find that insufficient data were submitted 
to the docket to demonstrate the effectiveness of triclosan for use as 
a consumer antiseptic wash product. Therefore, triclosan is not GRAS/
GRAE for use in consumer antiseptic wash products.

F. Comments on the Preliminary Regulatory Impact Analysis and FDA 
Response

    (Comment 39) Several comments raised issues concerning the 
preliminary regulatory impact analysis and the Agency's assessment of 
the net benefit of the rulemaking.
    (Response 39) Our response is provided in the full discussion of 
economic impacts, available in the docket for this rulemaking (Docket 
No. 1975-N-0012, http://www.regulations.gov) and at http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/ReportsManualsForms/Reports/EconomicAnalyses/default.htm.

IV. Ingredients Not Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective

    In addition to the individual active ingredients discussed in 
section III.E, no additional safety or effectiveness data have been 
submitted to support a GRAS/GRAE determination for the remaining 
consumer antiseptic wash active ingredients. Thus, the following active 
ingredients are not GRAS/GRAE for use as a consumer antiseptic wash:

 Cloflucarban
 Fluorosalan
 Hexachlorophene
 Hexylresorcinol
 Iodophors (Iodine-containing ingredients)
    [cir] Iodine complex (ammonium ether sulfate and polyoxyethylene 
sorbitan monolaurate)
    [cir] Iodine complex (phosphate ester of alkylaryloxy polyethylene 
glycol)
    [cir] Nonylphenoxypoly (ethyleneoxy) ethanoliodine
    [cir] Poloxamer--iodine complex
    [cir] Povidone-iodine 5 to 10 percent
    [cir] Undecoylium chloride iodine complex
 Methylbenzethonium chloride
 Phenol (greater than 1.5 percent)
 Phenol (less than 1.5 percent)
 Secondary amyltricresols
 Sodium oxychlorosene
 Tribromsalan
 Triclocarban
 Triclosan
 Triple dye

    Accordingly, OTC consumer antiseptic wash drug products containing 
these active ingredients are misbranded, and are new drugs for which 
approved new drug applications are required for marketing.

V. Effective Date

    In the 2013 Consumer Wash PR, we recognized, based on the scope of 
products subject to this final rule, that manufacturers would need time 
to comply with this final rule. Thus, as proposed in the 2013 Consumer 
Wash PR (78 FR 76444 at 76470), this final rule will be effective 1 
year after the date of the final rule's publication in the Federal 
Register. On or after that date, any OTC consumer antiseptic wash drug 
product containing an ingredient that we have found in this final rule 
to be not GRAS/GRAE or to be misbranded, cannot be initially introduced 
or initially delivered for introduction into interstate commerce unless 
it is the subject of an approved new drug application.

VI. Economic Analysis of Impacts

    The summary analysis of benefits and costs included in this final 
rule is drawn from the detailed Regulatory Impact Analysis that is 
available at http://www.regulations.gov, Docket No. FDA-1975-N-0012 
(formerly Docket No. 1975N-0183H).

A. Introduction

    We have examined the impacts of the final rule under Executive 
Order 12866, Executive Order 13563, the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 
U.S.C. 601-612), and the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 
104-4). Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct us to assess all costs 
and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, when regulation 
is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net 
benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public health 
and safety, and other advantages; distributive impacts; and equity). We 
have developed a comprehensive Economic Analysis of Impacts that 
assesses the impacts of the final rule. The Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) has determined that this final rule is a significant 
regulatory action as defined by Executive Order 12866.
    The Regulatory Flexibility Act requires us to analyze regulatory 
options that would minimize any significant impact of a rule on small 
entities. Because a majority of firms that will be affected by this 
rule are defined as small businesses, we find that the final rule will 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.
    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (section 202(a)) requires 
us to prepare a written statement, which includes an assessment of 
anticipated costs and benefits, before issuing ``any rule that includes 
any Federal mandate that may result in the expenditure by State, local, 
and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of 
$100,000,000 or more (adjusted annually for inflation) in any one 
year.'' The current threshold after adjustment for inflation is $146 
million, using the most current (2015) Implicit Price Deflator for the 
Gross Domestic Product. This final rule would result in an expenditure 
in any year that meets or exceeds this amount.

B. Summary of Costs and Benefits

    As discussed in the preamble of this final rule, this rule 
establishes that 19 active ingredients, including triclosan and 
triclocarban, are not generally recognized as safe and effective and 
are misbranded for use in OTC consumer antiseptic washes. Regulatory 
action is being deferred on three active ingredients that were included 
in the 2013 Consumer Wash PR: Benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium 
chloride, and chloroxylenol. The costs and benefits of the final rule 
are summarized in table 3, entitled Economic Data: Costs and Benefits 
Statement. As table 3 shows, the primary estimated benefits come from 
reduced exposure to antiseptic active ingredients by 2.2 million pounds 
per year. We note that triclosan and triclocarban, are the most widely 
used OTC consumer antiseptic wash active ingredients on the market, 
based on available data, thus, our analysis focuses

[[Page 61126]]

on these two products. Using the primary estimates, the combined total 
consists of a reduction in triclosan exposure by 799,426 pounds per 
year, and triclocarban exposure by 1.4 million pounds per year. 
Limitations in the available data characterizing the health effects 
resulting from widespread long-term exposure to these ingredients 
prevent us from translating the estimated reduced exposure into 
monetary equivalents of health effects.
    The primary estimate of costs annualized over 10 years is 
approximately $23.6 million at a 3 percent discount rate and $27.6 
million at a 7 percent discount rate. These costs consist of total one-
time costs of relabeling and reformulation ranging from $106.3 to 
$402.8 million. Under the final rule, we estimate that each pound of 
reduced exposure to antiseptic active ingredients will cost $12.97 to 
$14.28 at a 3 percent discount rate and $16.36 to $18.02 at a 7 percent 
discount rate.

                                                  Table 3--Economic Data: Costs and Benefits Statement
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Economic Data: Costs and Benefits Statement
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                   Units
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Primary                                                      Discount rate
             Category                 estimate      Low  estimate  High  estimate   Year  dollars        (%)        Period covered          Notes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Benefits
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annualized Monetized $millions/    ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............               7  Annual.
 year.                             ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............               3  Annual.........
Annualized Quantified............       2,197,737         989,856       3,405,619  ..............               7  Annual.........  Reduced antiseptic
                                        2,197,737         989,856       3,405,619  ..............               3  Annual.........   active ingredient
                                                                                                                                     exposure (in
                                                                                                                                     pounds).
Qualitative                        ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annualized Monetized $millions/              27.6            14.1            53.6            2014               7  Annual.........  Annualized costs of
 year.                                       23.6            12.1            45.8            2014               3  Annual.........   relabeling and
                                                                                                                                     reformulation.
                                                                                                                                     Range of estimates
                                                                                                                                     captures
                                                                                                                                     uncertainty.
Annualized Quantified............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............               7
                                   ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............               3
Qualitative                        ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Transfers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Annualized Monetized       ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............               7  ...............  None.
 $millions/year.                   ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............               3  ...............
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From/To..........................  From:
                                   To:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Annualized Monetized         ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............               7
 $millions/year.                   ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............               3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From/To..........................  From:
                                   To:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Effects
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        State, Local, or Tribal Government: Not applicable.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Small Business
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Annual cost per affected small entity estimated as $0.11-$0.41 million, which will represent 0.28-1.10 percent of annual
                                                            shipments.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Wages: No estimated effect.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Growth: No estimated effect.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The full analysis of economic impacts is available in the docket 
for this final rule (Docket No. FDA-1975-N-0012) and at http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/ReportsManualsForms/Reports/EconomicAnalyses/default.htm.

VII. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    This final rule contains no collections of information. Therefore, 
clearance by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 is not 
required.

VIII. Analysis of Environmental Impact

    We have determined under 21 CFR 25.31(a) that this action is of a 
type that does not individually or cumulatively have a significant 
effect on the human environment. Therefore, neither an environmental 
assessment nor an

[[Page 61127]]

environmental impact statement is required.

IX. Federalism

    We have analyzed this final rule in accordance with the principles 
set forth in Executive Order 13132. Section 4(a) of the Executive order 
requires agencies to ``construe . . . a Federal statute to preempt 
State law only where the statute contains an express preemption 
provision or there is some other clear evidence that the Congress 
intended preemption of State law, or where the exercise of State 
authority conflicts with the exercise of Federal authority under the 
Federal statute.'' The sole statutory provision giving preemptive 
effect to the final rule is section 751 of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 
379r). We have complied with all of the applicable requirements under 
the Executive order and have determined that the preemptive effects of 
this rule are consistent with Executive Order 13132.

X. References

    The following references are on display in the Division of Dockets 
Management (see ADDRESSES) and are available for viewing by interested 
persons between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday; they are also 
available electronically at http://www.regulations.gov. FDA has 
verified all Web site addresses as of the date of this document, but 
Web sites are subject to change over time.

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Journal of Medicine, 305(11): p. 621-3, 1981. Available at http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM198109103051106.
63. Triclocarban (TCC) Consortium, Soap and Detergent Association. 
IUCLID Data Set: Triclocarban. December 12, 2002. Available at 
http://www.aciscience.org/docs/Triclocarban_HPV_Robust_Study_Summaries.pdf.
64. Sutherland, V., ``NTP Research Concept: Triclocarban.'' 
Available at http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/about_ntp/bsc/2014/june/triclocarban_concept_508.pdf, 2014.
65. Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) opinion on 
Triclosan COLIPA n[deg] P32. Available at http://ec.europa.eu/health/archive/ph_risk/committees/04_sccp/docs/sccp_o_166.pdf.
66. Addendum to the SCCP Opinion on Triclosan. Available at http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/consumer_safety/docs/sccs_o_054.pdf.
67. Registered substances. Available at http://echa.europa.eu/web/guest/information-on-chemicals/registered-substances.
68. Fang, J. L., et al., ``Absorption and Metabolism of Triclosan 
After Application to the Skin of B6C3F1 Mice,'' Environmental 
Toxicology, 2014. Avilable at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Absorption+and+metabolism+of+triclosan+after+application+to+the+skin+of+B6C3F1+mice.
69. Crofton, K. M., et al., ``Short-Term in vivo Exposure to the 
Water Contaminant Triclosan: Evidence for Disruption of Thyroxine, 
'' Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 24(2): p. 194-7, 2007. 
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70. European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, 
Final Opinion on Triclosan (Antimicrobial Resistance), cited March 
24, 2016, available at http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/consumer_safety/index_en.htm.

List of Subjects in 21 CFR Part 310

    Administrative practice and procedure, Drugs, Labeling, Medical 
devices, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Therefore, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and under 
authority delegated to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, 21 CFR part 
310 is amended as follows:

PART 310--NEW DRUGS

0
1. The authority citation for part 310 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority:  21 U.S.C. 321, 331, 351, 352, 353, 355, 360b-360f, 
360j, 360hh-360ss, 361(a), 371, 374, 375, 379e, 379k-l; 42 U.S.C. 
216, 241, 242(a), 262.


0
2. In Sec.  310.545, add paragraphs (a)(27)(iii) and (iv) and (d)(41), 
and remove from paragraph (d) introductory text the number ``(39)'' and 
add in its place the number ``(41)'' to read as follows:


Sec.  310.545  Drug products containing certain active ingredients 
offered over-the-counter (OTC) for certain uses.

    (a) * * *
    (27) * * *
    (iii) Consumer antiseptic hand wash drug products. Approved as of 
September 6, 2017.

Cloflucarban
Fluorosalan
Hexachlorophene
Hexylresorcinol
Iodine complex (ammonium ether sulfate and polyoxyethylene sorbitan 
monolaurate)
Iodine complex (phosphate ester of alkylaryloxy polyethylene glycol)
Methylbenzethonium chloride
Nonylphenoxypoly (ethyleneoxy) ethanoliodine
Phenol (greater than 1.5 percent)
Phenol (less than 1.5 percent)
Poloxamer iodine complex
Povidone-iodine (5 to 10 percent)
Secondary amyltricresols
Sodium oxychlorosene
Tribromsalan
Triclocarban
Triclosan
Triple Dye
Undecoylium chloride iodine complex

    (iv) Consumer antiseptic body wash drug products. Approved as of 
September 6, 2017.

Cloflucarban
Fluorosalan
Hexachlorophene
Hexylresorcinol
Iodine complex (phosphate ester of alkylaryloxy polyethylene glycol)
Iodine tincture
Methylbenzethonium chloride
Nonylphenoxypoly (ethyleneoxy) ethanoliodine
Phenol (greater than 1.5 percent)

[[Page 61130]]

Phenol (less than 1.5 percent)
Poloxamer iodine complex
Povidone-iodine (5 to 10 percent)
Secondary amyltricresols
Sodium oxychlorosene
Tribromsalan
Triclocarban
Triclosan
Triple Dye
Undecoylium chloride iodine complex
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (41) September 6, 2017, for products subject to paragraph 
(a)(27)(iii) or (iv) of this section.

    Dated: August 31, 2016.
Leslie Kux,
Associate Commissioner for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2016-21337 Filed 9-2-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4164-01-P