The National Consumer Commission has taken decisive action in response to the disturbing study about sanitary pads.
Image: Pixabay/ Grimnona
Recent findings from a study conducted by the University of Free State (UFS) have triggered serious concerns regarding the safety of common menstrual products, including panty liners and sanitary pads.
The study reveals that these products may contain harmful hormone-disrupting chemicals that could potentially cause infertility or cancer when exposure levels are significantly high.
This has led the National Consumer Commission (NCC) to take decisive action in response to the study's alarming findings.
According to this study titled "The presence of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in sanitary pads: A study done in South Africa," certain sanitary pads and panty liners may contain harmful endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as parabens, phthalates, and bisphenols.
These EDCs have been linked to health issues like hormonal imbalance, infertility, endometriosis, and cancer. Millions of women and girls in South Africa use these products on a monthly basis.
The NCC has opened an investigation against the following suppliers whose goods were reportedly tested for the study in light of this information:
Kimberly-Clark of SA (PTY) Ltd (Kotex); Protector and Gamble (PTY) Ltd (Always); Anna Organics; The Lion Match Company (PTY) Ltd trading as Comfitex;Here We Flo trading as Flo; Johnson & Johnson (PTY) Ltd trading as Stay Free; Premier Group of Companies trading as Lil-lets; Essity Hygiene and Health AB trading as Libresse South Africa; and My Time. The investigation aims to review and assess the suppliers’ compliance with the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), in particular sections 55 and 24.
Customers have the right to receive products that are reasonably appropriate for their intended uses, according to the CPA. Additionally, consumers are entitled to high-quality, functional products. Defects must be absent, and the products must be usable and long-lasting.
At the same time, the NCC will demand that the suppliers in question test the impacted products or submit the most recent laboratory results, if any, that tested for EDCs. Following receipt of the results, the NCC will evaluate them to decide whether to invoke the CPA's section 60 product recall provisions.
Acting Commissioner, Mr Hardin Ratshisusu, said, "The findings of the study raise serious concerns affecting women and girls that warrant an investigation, making this a priority investigation."
The affected suppliers will be afforded an opportunity to respond to the concerns as part of the investigation before the NCC makes a determination on the matter.”
Throughout the course of the investigation, the NCC will interact with regulatory bodies and other stakeholders.