The US health regulator, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a safety review into antibacterial chemicals found in soaps and body washes after a recent study found that they could contribute to bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

The regulator has given companies until the end of next year to provide the results of clinical trials on any such products.

A statement from the FDA on Monday said: “New data suggest that the risks associated with long-term, daily use of antibacterial soaps may outweigh the benefits.” It added that certain ingredients could also have “unanticipated hormonal effects”.