The 2nd U.S. Circuit of Appeals in Manhattan reinstated a lawsuit by the Natural Resources Defense Council against the FDA over its failure to finalize its regulation of triclosan, a chemical used in antibacterial soap, toothpaste and other consumer goods. The FDA has said it is looking into animal studies suggesting triclosan can disrupt hormone levels.

In ruling, the appeals court noted that even the FDA concedes it is concerned about the long-term effects of triclosan exposure and tells consumers that it has no evidence that soap containing triclosan provides extra health benefits over soap and water, though it also reassures consumers that triclosan “is not currently known to be hazardous to humans.”