By Charmaine Ndlela
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has initiated an investigation into nine suppliers of sanitary pads and pantyliners after a University of the Free State (UFS) study found endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in products sold in South Africa.
The UFS research flagged the presence of EDC groups, including parabens, phthalates and bisphenols, which have been linked to reproductive and hormonal effects, and have raised concerns about long-term exposure.
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The NCC said it has initiated an investigation against the suppliers whose products were tested in the study, including Kimberly-Clark of SA (Kotex), Procter 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 trading as Lil-lets, Essity trading as Libresse South Africa, and My Time.
Acting commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu said the study’s findings “raise serious concerns affecting women and girls that warrant an investigation”.
The suppliers will be given an opportunity to respond to the findings, said Ratshisusu.
The NCC said the investigation will assess compliance with the Consumer Protection Act, including sections 55 and 24, which provide for consumers’ rights to goods that are reasonably suitable for their intended purpose and of good quality.
The commission said it will require the suppliers to conduct tests on the affected products or provide the latest laboratory results testing for EDCs, if any.
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It said the results will be assessed to determine whether product recall provisions under section 60 of the Act should be invoked.
UFS’s researchers analysed 16 brands of sanitary pads and eight types of pantyliners sold in South African retail stores, focusing on phthalates, bisphenols (including BPA) and parabens.
UFS reported that bisphenols were detected in 100% of sanitary pads tested and 75% of pantyliners, parabens in more than 81% of pads and 75% of liners, and phthalates in all pantyliners and in 50% of sanitary pads.
The research team included PhD candidate Janine Blignaut, Dr Gabre Kemp, and professors Elizabeth Erasmus, Deon Visser and Marietjie Schutte-Smith. The researchers said that the chemicals are not always intentionally added to products but may migrate from plastics, adhesives and other materials used during manufacturing.
