Thursday 26 February 2026:- The South African Communist Party welcomes the prompt decision by the National Consumer Commission to launch an investigation into nine major suppliers of sanitary pad and panty liners in South Africa. The investigation is to determine whether these companies have violated the Consumer Protection Act.
The investigation follows a scientific study by the University of the Free State with findings linking popular menstrual products to harmful endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including parabens, phthalates and bisphenols. These chemicals are linked to severe health complications such as hormonal imbalance, infertility, endometriosis, and cancer. This is akin to chemical warfare.
These products are used by millions of women and girls every month in South Africa, thus having an impact on women’s health. Private profit companies which prioritise their bottom line instead of human health must be brought to account. As such, it is crucial that the Commission digs deeper into the matter.
Additionally, there must be investigations into whether there has been any negligence by companies for a determination whether legal proceedings may be instituted against any of them.
While the Commission conducts its own investigation, it is also important for the South African Bureau of Standards to review its product assessment processes in order to prevent the further flooding of such harmful products. It must, by law, be compulsory for companies to make full disclosures on their products particularly the chemicals contained in them, including the possible health risks they carry, to help consumers make informed choices about their menstrual products.
ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNIST PARTY
FOUNDED IN 1921 AS THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF SOUTH AFRICA.
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