The National Consumer Commission has initiated an investigation into nine suppliers of sanitary pads and panty liners following alarming findings from a University of the Free State study that detected harmful chemicals in these essential products.
The study, titled “The presence of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in sanitary pads: A study done in South Africa”, found that certain sanitary products may contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and bisphenols.
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These chemicals are linked to serious health complications including hormonal imbalance, infertility, endometriosis, and cancer—a significant concern given that millions of South African women and girls use these products monthly.
Suppliers under investigation
The NCC investigation targets the following suppliers whose products were tested in the study:
- Kimberly-Clark of SA (Kotex)
- Protector and Gamble (Always)
- Anna Organics
- The Lion Match Company trading as Comfitex
- Here We Flo trading as Flo
- Johnson & Johnson trading as Stay Free
- Premier Group of Companies trading as Lil-lets
- Essity Hygiene and Health AB trading as Libresse South Africa
- My Time
None of these products have been recalled yet.
Consumer protection focus
The investigation will assess suppliers’ compliance with the Consumer Protection Act, particularly sections 55 and 24, which guarantee consumers the right to receive goods that are reasonably suitable for their intended purposes and of good quality, the NCC said in a statement on Tuesday (24 February).
The NCC will require the suppliers to conduct tests on affected products or provide recent laboratory results testing for endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These results will be assessed to determine whether product recall provisions under section 60 of the Act should be invoked.
Acting NCC commissioner 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.”
Industry support for investigation
The Motor Industry Staff Association has welcomed the investigation, with CEO Martlé Keyter describing the allegations as “deeply alarming” and demanding “urgent, transparent action”, as these brands are widely used by working women, including many MISA members.
MISA called for a thorough, science-driven investigation prioritising public health and consumer rights, demanding full transparency regarding chemical levels and risks detected in the study.
The Democratic Alliance has also welcomed the investigation, saying South African women and girls who use these products deserve absolute certainty that they are safe.
DA member of parliament and spokesperson for women, youth and people with disabilities Angel Khanyile said: “The DA expects that this investigation will include the NCC compelling the manufacturers of suspected sanitary products to conduct laboratory testing by independent labs, and to report these findings to the NCC. The DA will insist that these tests are thorough and independent.”
“Safe sanitary products are simply too important to women and girls for this risk to remain unresolved,” Khanyile added.
The NCC will engage with other stakeholders and regulatory authorities during the course of the investigation.
