South African Health Minister Assures Public Sanitary Products Remain Safe
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – South Africa’s Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi has moved to reassure women and girls that sanitary products currently on the market are safe to use, following the publication of a study revealing the presence of potentially harmful chemicals.
The study, conducted by the Department of Chemistry at the University of the Free State and released in February 2026, found small amounts of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) – including parabens, phthalates and bisphenols – in all 23 sanitary pads and panty liners tested. The findings sparked concern among consumers questioning the safety of these everyday products.
Addressing the issue at a joint media briefing held by the Social Protection, Community and Human Development cluster, Motsoaledi explained that while EDCs are present in many common products, the levels detected in menstrual hygiene items were very low. He emphasized that the study did not establish a causal link between the chemicals and any adverse health outcomes for women or girls.
“This or any other study has not established a causal relationship between the detected chemicals and adverse health outcomes in women or girls,” Motsoaledi stated.
The Minister further clarified that removing the products from the market is not necessary. South African regulatory authorities will continue to monitor sanitary products as they have done previously. Currently, sanitary products are not regulated by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, as they are considered low risk.
The government’s response comes amid growing global scrutiny of chemicals found in personal care products. While the immediate risk appears minimal, the long-term effects of exposure to EDCs remain a subject of ongoing research.
Motsoaledi urged women and girls to remain confident in the safety of sanitary pads, stating, “Women and girls can be reassured that it remains safe to use sanitary pads.”
