National Consumer Commission launches urgent investigation into sanitary pad chemical safety concerns across South Africa after university study raises alarm

What started as an academic exercise has now snowballed into a nationwide consumer safety issue.

The National Consumer Commission has officially opened an investigation into several well-known sanitary pad and panty liner brands after researchers flagged possible chemical risks.

The concern? A local university study suggests that some menstrual products sold in South Africa may contain substances that could interfere with the body’s hormones.

For millions of women and girls who use these products every month, that’s not a small matter.

What the University Found

Researchers from the University of the Free State conducted a study examining the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, often referred to as EDCs, in sanitary pads.

Their findings pointed to traces of parabens, phthalates, and bisphenols in certain samples.

These chemicals are not new to scientific debate.

Over the years, global research has linked prolonged exposure to some of these compounds to hormonal imbalances, fertility challenges, endometriosis, and even certain cancers.

While the study did not immediately conclude that all tested products pose a direct health threat, it raised enough red flags to warrant regulatory attention.

Brands Now Under the Microscope

The Commission confirmed it is reviewing multiple suppliers whose products were included in the research.

Among them are major international and local names such as Kimberly-Clark of SA, Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Essity Hygiene and Health AB, Premier Group, The Lion Match Company, Anna Organi, Here We Flo and My Time.

Some of these companies manufacture globally recognised brands, while others operate within niche or organic product spaces.

The scope of the probe suggests the regulator is casting its net wide rather than singling out a specific player.

The Legal Backbone of the Investigation

At the heart of this inquiry lies the Consumer Protection Act.

The law guarantees that consumers have the right to goods that are safe, of good quality, and reasonably suitable for their intended use.

If any of the tested products are found to fall short of those standards, the Commission has the authority to push for corrective action.

That could range from mandatory reformulation to product recalls under Section 60 of the Act.

What the Regulator Is Doing Now

Acting Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu made it clear that the issue is being treated as a priority.

Companies under review will be required to either conduct fresh laboratory testing or submit up-to-date reports confirming the safety of their products.

Importantly, suppliers will have the opportunity to respond before any final decision is taken.

That means we’re still in the fact-finding stage.

Nothing has been banned. Nothing has been recalled—yet.

Why This Matters Beyond One Study

This isn’t the first time menstrual products have faced scrutiny.

Internationally, consumer advocacy groups have long pushed for greater transparency around ingredients in tampons and pads.

In some regions, manufacturers are now required to disclose materials used in their products, while in others the debate continues.

In South Africa, access to menstrual hygiene products is already tied to broader conversations about dignity, poverty, and public health.

The government has previously introduced initiatives to provide free sanitary pads to schoolgirls in disadvantaged communities.

If safety concerns grow, it could complicate supply chains and public procurement decisions.

The Industry Ripple Effect

If the investigation confirms the presence of harmful levels of EDCs, the consequences could stretch well beyond individual brands.

We could see stricter manufacturing standards, tighter ingredient disclosure requirements, and possibly new testing protocols before products hit store shelves.

For manufacturers, that might mean reformulation costs.

For consumers, it could mean greater transparency—and possibly higher prices.

What’s Next?

The next phase involves reviewing laboratory results and assessing whether the levels of detected chemicals exceed internationally accepted safety thresholds.

The Commission may also consult other health and regulatory bodies before making a final determination.

If safety risks are confirmed, recalls or mandatory corrective actions could follow.

If not, the regulator may issue guidance or recommend stronger monitoring systems moving forward.

Either way, this investigation is likely to shape how menstrual hygiene products are regulated in South Africa for years to come.

Summary

South Africa’s National Consumer Commission has launched an investigation into several major sanitary pad brands after a University of the Free State study detected potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals in certain products. The probe, guided by the Consumer Protection Act, will require suppliers to submit updated testing reports. Depending on the findings, the outcome could lead to recalls, stricter oversight, or new safety standards across the personal care industry.