The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced investigations into the safety of disposable sanitary pads following concerns over potentially harmful chemicals in some products.
The agency also said it had begun assessing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in selected sanitary pads with valid marketing authorisation.
The development follows growing concerns over findings from a 2024 study on VOCs in sanitary pads sold in Nigeria.
The study, conducted by researchers from the Nigerian Defence Academy and published in the Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, analysed 65 sanitary pad samples and detected 20 VOCs.
NAFDAC investigates complaint against sanitary pad
NAFDAC said it is currently investigating a complaint involving a named sanitary pad brand after collecting samples for laboratory evaluation.
“A complaint received on a named sanitary pad is currently being investigated as the product has been sampled for laboratory evaluation for safety including microbial limit and skin irritation tests,” the agency said.
NAFDAC explained that sanitary pads are classified as Class I medical devices and are subject to regulatory requirements covering registration, laboratory evaluation, manufacturing processes and post-market surveillance.
The agency said it uses the applicable Nigerian Industrial Standard, NIS 291, developed by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), when evaluating disposable sanitary pads.
NAFDAC denies claims it does not test sanitary pads
The agency also rejected claims that it does not test sanitary pads.
NAFDAC said it conducts laboratory evaluations of disposable sanitary pad products submitted for regulatory approval, as well as products sampled through post-market surveillance activities.
Manufacturers are also required to meet applicable quality-management requirements, while product labelling is reviewed to ensure consumers receive information needed for safe use.
Agency assesses VOCs in sanitary pads
On concerns over VOCs, NAFDAC said it is assessing selected registered products and reviewing the regulatory experience of countries, including South Korea, in monitoring and reducing VOCs in menstrual products.
The agency said the assessment could lead to additional measures, including VOC testing and monitoring, restrictions on substances of regulatory concern, disclosure of fragrances and other relevant constituents, and stronger post-market surveillance.
However, NAFDAC said any additional regulatory requirements would be based on scientific evidence, risk assessment and consultation with relevant stakeholders.
NAFDAC reviews sanitary pad safety standards
NAFDAC said sanitary pads listed in its Greenbook remain subject to regulatory monitoring throughout their life cycle.
The agency added that it is reviewing emerging scientific evidence on menstrual products and would strengthen its regulatory framework where necessary.
It said its priority remains protecting public health, assuring consumers that concerns involving menstrual health products would be assessed through scientific evidence, laboratory testing and regulatory investigation.
The development follows renewed concerns on social media about sanitary pad safety, with some women reporting itching, burning sensations and other reactions after using particular brands.
