Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans she has to ban antibacterial agents in soap.

All cosmetic products supplied in the UK, whether for consumer or professional use, must comply with EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on Cosmetic Products. The Regulation sets out requirements for product and ingredient safety assessments. It governs the use of ingredients in cosmetic products, banning some, restricting others, and in the case of preservatives, specifying which can be used and their maximum concentrations.

Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their products and the products must undergo an expert scientific safety assessment before they are sold. This includes safety assessments of any antibacterial agents used.