Sanitary Product Safety Concerns

Statement by Angel Khanyile MP – DA Spokesperson on Women Youth & People with Disabilities:

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has submitted a written request to Liezl van der Merwe, Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (WYPD), to write to Cedric Frolick, Chair of Chairs in Parliament, to approve the inclusion of sanitary products on the committee’s agenda for discussion on 20 March 2026.

The DA welcomes the Chairperson’s willingness to facilitate this engagement and urges the Chair of Chairs to approve the request without delay, so that this urgent matter can be addressed by the committee.

In our request, we have specifically called for Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to appear before the committee to provide a comprehensive explanation of the findings, the regulatory processes followed, and the steps being taken to safeguard public health.

Over the weekend, the Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi, stated during a press briefing that sanitary products identified in the University of the Free State (UFS) sanitary product study remain safe for human use. According to the Minister, while endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) were detected in some products, they were found at levels considered not harmful. He further indicated that similar chemicals can be present in everyday items such as toothpaste, household cleaning products, personal care items and cosmetics.

However, the UFS research team found that 16 sanitary product brands tested contained small amounts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The researchers recommended that the identified products undergo additional testing to determine whether the concentrations exceed permissible safety thresholds. The study also warned that long-term exposure to certain EDCs may pose potential health risks, particularly to women and young girls.

In South Africa, regulatory oversight of such products involves bodies including the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, while measurement verification is supported by the National Metrology Institute of South Africa. Current indications are that no product recall is being considered.

Despite these assurances, the DA believes the matter warrants full parliamentary scrutiny. Public confidence in essential hygiene products used by millions of women and girls cannot rest on uncertainty.

The DA will continue to apply parliamentary pressure to ensure transparency and accountability.

Background:

On 24 February 2026, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) released a statement saying that it has noted the study conducted by the University of the Free State. 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 are linked to health complications such as hormonal imbalance, infertility, endometriosis, and cancer. Millions of South African women and girls use these products monthly.

Based on this information, the NCC has initiated an investigation against the following suppliers whose products were apparently tested in the study:

• Kimberly-Clark of SA (PTY) Ltd (Kotex);
• Procter 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. The CPA states that consumers have the right to receive goods that are reasonably suitable for their intended purposes. Consumers also have the right to goods that are of good quality and in good working order. The goods must be free of defects and usable and durable for a reasonable time.

Simultaneously, the NCC will be requiring the concerned suppliers to conduct tests on the affected products or provide the latest laboratory results that tested for EDCs, if any. Once the NCC receives the results, they will be assessed to determine whether the product recall provisions under section 60 of the CPA should be invoked.

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 allowed to respond to the concerns as part of the investigation before the NCC determines the matter.”

The NCC will engage with other stakeholders and regulatory authorities in the course of the investigation.