The National Consumer Commission is investigating major sanitary pad brands in South Africa following a UFS study that found harmful chemicals.
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The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has launched an investigation into nine major sanitary pad and panty liner suppliers in South Africa following a study with damning findings linking popular menstrual products to harmful endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).
The move comes after a University of the Free State study, titled "The presence of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in sanitary pads: A study done in South Africa," revealed the presence of substances such as parabens, phthalates, and bisphenols in products used by millions of women and girls every month.
The study has sent shockwaves through the healthcare sector, as EDCs are notorious for interfering with the body’s hormonal systems.
These chemicals are linked to severe health complications, including:
Acting Commissioner for the NCC Hardin Ratshisusu confirmed that the study's findings have made this a "priority investigation" for the commission.
“The findings of the study raise serious concerns affecting women and girls that warrant an investigation. The affected suppliers will have the opportunity to respond to the concerns during the investigation before the NCC makes a determination on the matter,” Ratshisusu said.
The NCC’s probe targets some of the most recognisable names on South African retail shelves. The list of suppliers under investigation includes:
The investigation focuses on whether these companies have violated the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), specifically sections 55 and 24. Under South African law, consumers have a fundamental right to goods that are safe, of good quality, and free of defects.
The NCC has demanded that these suppliers either conduct immediate tests on the affected products or provide existing laboratory results that specifically screen for EDCs.
If the results confirm that the products pose a risk to public health, the NCC has warned it may invoke Section 60 of the CPA, which would lead to a mandatory large-scale product recall.
The commission stated it will continue engaging with other regulatory authorities and stakeholders as the investigation unfolds to ensure the safety of South African consumers.
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