No instruction to discontinue the use of sanitary pads or pantyliners has been given at this stage, and maintaining good menstrual hygiene remains essential for health and digity, the Free State Department of Health this week said in respons to recent findings following the outcome of a study by the University of the Free State reporting the presence of certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in sanitary pads and pantyliners.

However, the Department reaffirmed that the health, dignity and safety of women and girls remain non-negotiable

Free State MEC for Health, Mr Monyatso Mahlatsi, has since convened an urgent briefing with the research team and relevant multisectoral stakeholders to review the findings of the study.

Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson for the Department said drawing on the province’s coordinated public health response experience, Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) structures have been activated to ensure a science-led, ethical and transparent process that safeguards the public without causing unnecessary alarm.

Mvambi said while preliminary expert consultations indicate that the study raises important exposure considerations — particularly regarding long-term and cumulative exposure — it does not demonstrate immediate harm.

Mvambi added that there is currently no evidence of acute toxicity associated with the use of sanitary pads or pantyliners, and that no adverse health or environmental effects have been established based on the available evidence.

Importantly, the study did however highlight a regulatory gap in South Africa, with no current specific national standards governing acceptable levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in sanitary pads and pantyliners. This absence of defined chemical thresholds requires structured scientific review and regulatory assessment,” the department in a statement this week said.

The Provincial Department of Health will be establishing a Rapid Response Technical Task Team comprising experts from provincial and national health authorities, academia, regulatory and standards bodies, consumer protection agencies, environmental health, and legal and procurement disciplines, Mvambi said.

The Task Team will:
* Provide independent scientific review of the reported findings and verification where necessary;
* Assess public health and environmental implications;
* Review regulatory and legal frameworks and identify gaps requiring strengthening;
* Guide risk communication and coordinated public engagement; and
* Advise departmental leadership on proportionate, evidence-based governance responses.

Should confirmatory evidence identify material risk or regulatory non-compliance, the Department will work with national authorities and regulators to enforce appropriate corrective measures in accordance with applicable legislation, Mvambi said. He added that manufacturers and suppliers will be expected to demonstrate full compliance with safety requirements as consumer protection remains paramount.

Individuals who experience irritation or unusual symptoms while using any sanitary product are encouraged to seek advice at their nearest clinic or healthcare provider. Where possible, the brand and batch number should be reported to the National Consumer Commission, Mvambi requested.

Contact details to report are as follow:
Telephone: 012 065 1940
Email: enquiries@thencc.org.za
Online: https://eservice.thencc.org.za
(Office hours: Monday–Friday, 08:30–17:00)

The Free State Department of Health further urged the public to only rely on verified official updates while the independent review is underway, and to avoid circulating unconfirmed claims or naming specific brands until facts are formally established.
Mvambi said further updates will be communicated through official department channels.