No evidence to pull menstrual products over chemical concerns, says Motsoaledi

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has reassured the public that there is currently no evidence to justify withdrawing menstrual health products from the market due to concerns over endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).

Speaking in Pretoria on Sunday, the Minister addressed the findings of a University of the Free State study published in February. The research, which analysed 16 brands of sanitary pads and seven pantyliners purchased online, detected trace amounts of EDCs.

READ: Low health risk from chemicals in menstrual products, says Motsoaledi

Motsoaledi clarified that while these chemicals cannot be entirely avoided in modern manufacturing, none of the tested products warrants removal, and there is no evidence requiring users to change their current practices.

Motsoaledi further noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) is unaware of any global cases in which menstrual health products have been recalled or withdrawn from the market due to EDC concerns.

The Minister emphasised that while current data do not indicate a crisis, the government will remain vigilant through existing monitoring and consumer protection measures. He urged both regulators and the scientific community to remain active in their respective fields to ensure long-term safety.

“Regulators need to continue with their regulatory frameworks, surveillance and consumer protection as they have been doing all along. The scientists must also continue to research on these EDCs as they have been doing for the past 106 years,” Motsoaledi stated.