In Conversation WIth Pheto Ntaba – Spokesperson of the National Consumer Commission (NCC)
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The National Consumer Commission has launched an investigation into nine major suppliers of sanitary pads and panty liners in South Africa following a study conducted by the University of the Free State. The study, titled “The Presence of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Sanitary Pads: A Study Done in South Africa,” found that certain products may contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and bisphenols. These chemicals have been linked in scientific literature to hormonal imbalances, infertility, endometriosis and certain cancers.
The companies under investigation include well-known brands widely used by millions of women and girls across the country. The NCC is assessing whether these suppliers have complied with Sections 55 and 24 of the Consumer Protection Act, which guarantee consumers the right to goods that are safe, of good quality, and reasonably suitable for their intended purpose. The Commission has requested laboratory testing results from the companies and is considering whether Section 60 — which allows for product recalls — may need to be invoked, depending on the findings.
The companies under investigation include well-known brands widely used by millions of women and girls across the country. The NCC is assessing whether these suppliers have complied with Sections 55 and 24 of the Consumer Protection Act, which guarantee consumers the right to goods that are safe, of good quality, and reasonably suitable for their intended purpose. The Commission has requested laboratory testing results from the companies and is considering whether Section 60 — which allows for product recalls — may need to be invoked, depending on the findings.
