A class action product liability lawsuit against Colgate-Palmolive (CP) alleges that the company is falsely touting its liquid antibacterial soap as being more better at killing germs than ordinary soap, when the product’s active ingredient does not kill more germs and may in fact be dangerous.
According to The Legal Intelligencer, the lawsuit claims that CP falsely advertises its Softsoap Antibacterial soap as being “more effective at eliminating germs, protecting the consumer from germs, and thus preventing illness and promoting good health, than washing with ordinary liquid hand soaps.”
However, the lawsuit asserts that the soap is no more effective in killing germs than other soaps that do not have anti-bacterial agents. It references a number of studies that have found that Triclosan - the soap's primary germ-killing agent - is not only ineffective in killing more germs than other soaps but also could increase the risk of certain cancers.
Triclosan was originally developed as a pesticide before it eventually became used as a surgical scrub as well.
If you or a loved one have fallen victim to false advertising and used a product that may cause an illness, call Sokolove Law today to learn more about potentially pursuing a product liability lawsuit.