Overview
- At a March 8 government briefing, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and specialists from bodies including WHO and SAMRC said sanitary pads remain safe to use and do not warrant removal from the market.
- A University of the Free State study detected endocrine‑disrupting chemicals in all 23 tested pads and pantyliners, but officials stressed the levels were very low and the research did not establish causation.
- SAHPRA classifies sanitary pads as low‑risk medical devices exempt from licensing, with manufacturers still required to meet international standards and no adverse‑event signals reported.
- WHO experts noted no clear evidence of harm from sanitary pad use globally and emphasized maintaining access to essential menstrual products while research and monitoring continue.
- The National Consumer Commission said it sees no immediate quality concern and will not order recalls, while its investigation proceeds toward conclusion.