The popularity of soaps and other products claiming anti-bacterial properties skyrocketed in the last decade as consumers turned to them as a defense against household illnesses. But some people contend that a number of the products, particularly those that use synthetic chemicals rather than alcohol or bleach, pose the risk of creating germs that are resistant to antibacterials as well as antibiotics.

Those critics say antibacterials are no more effective than regular soap in reducing infections and illnesses. The Food and Drug Administration, in briefing documents posted on the Internet ahead of Thursday's hearing, said the agency has not found any medical studies that definitively linked specific anti-bacterial products to reduced infection rates.