The FDA says there 's no evidence antibacterial ##s are better than soap and water . Some data shows there could be long - term health risks from use . The rule is available for public comment for 180 days , with a concurrent one-year period for companies to submit new data and information , followed by a 60-day period for rebuttal comments , according to the FDA . Hand sanitizers and wipes are not covered by the proposed rule .
The FDA says there 's no evidence antibacterial ##s are better than soap and water . Some data shows there could be long - term health risks from use . Hand sanitizers and wipes are not covered by the proposed rule .