Bad news for germaphobes, as the FDA has just announced it'll soon be placing new restrictions on the labeling of supposed "antibacterial soap."

The FDA's concerns mainly stem from new data which suggest that the risks associated with long-term, daily use of antibacterial soaps may outweigh the benefits:
In animals, exposure to high concentrations of these compounds has been found to suppress thyroid hormone concentrations and to have estrogenic effects, including premature puberty in females and low sperm count in males. As the chemicals have been found in human breast milk, urine and blood, there is growing concern that the product's widespread use may affect human health as well.
Manufacturers will now have to come up with proof that their stuff is both safe and more effective than basic old bar soap if they want to use the label. Thankfully, the new rules don't apply to hand sanitizers, but you might want to stock up just in case.

[L.A. Times]