IN CONVERSATION WITH PHETHO NTABA, National Consumer Commission Spokesperson.
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The National Consumer Commission (NCC) 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”,
09:35
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: a)
Kimberly-Clark of SA (PTY) Ltd (Kotex); b) Protector and Gamble (PTY) Ltd
(Always); c) Anna Organics; d) The Lion Match Company (PTY) Ltd trading as
Comfitex; e) Here We Flo trading as Flo; f) Johnson & Johnson (PTY) Ltd trading
as Stay Free; g) Premier Group of Companies trading as Lil-lets; h) Essity
Hygiene and Health AB trading as Libresse South Africa; and i) 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, these will be
assessed to determine whether product recall provisions in terms of 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 afforded an opportunity to respond to the
concerns as part of the investigation before the NCC makes a determination on
the matter.” The NCC will engage with other stakeholders and regulatory
authorities in the course of the investigation.
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”,
09:35
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: a)
Kimberly-Clark of SA (PTY) Ltd (Kotex); b) Protector and Gamble (PTY) Ltd
(Always); c) Anna Organics; d) The Lion Match Company (PTY) Ltd trading as
Comfitex; e) Here We Flo trading as Flo; f) Johnson & Johnson (PTY) Ltd trading
as Stay Free; g) Premier Group of Companies trading as Lil-lets; h) Essity
Hygiene and Health AB trading as Libresse South Africa; and i) 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, these will be
assessed to determine whether product recall provisions in terms of 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 afforded an opportunity to respond to the
concerns as part of the investigation before the NCC makes a determination on
the matter.” The NCC will engage with other stakeholders and regulatory
authorities in the course of the investigation.
