The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has begun assessing selected disposable sanitary pads sold in Nigeria for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), following concerns about their chemical composition and safety.
The agency said the assessment covers products with valid marketing authorisation. It is also investigating a complaint involving a specific sanitary pad brand, with samples collected 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,” NAFDAC said.
2024 Study Prompts Chemical Safety Review
The investigation follows concerns arising from a 2024 study by researchers from the Nigerian Defence Academy, published in the Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences.
The research examined 65 disposable sanitary pad samples and reported detecting 20 volatile organic compounds.
NAFDAC said it was reviewing the findings and emerging scientific evidence concerning menstrual products as part of its regulatory assessment.
NAFDAC Explains Sanitary Pad Testing Requirements
The agency said sanitary pads are classified as Class I medical devices and are subject to requirements covering registration, laboratory evaluation, manufacturing processes and monitoring after they enter the market.
According to NAFDAC, disposable sanitary pads are evaluated using the applicable Nigerian Industrial Standard, NIS 291, developed by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria.
The agency rejected claims that it does not carry out laboratory testing on sanitary pads.
“The agency conducts laboratory evaluation of Disposable Sanitary Pad products submitted for regulatory approval and those sampled from post-market surveillance activities,” it said.
It added that manufacturers must comply with applicable quality-management requirements. Product labels are also reviewed to ensure consumers receive information necessary for safe use.
Review Could Introduce Additional Controls
NAFDAC said it was examining how other countries, including South Korea, regulate and monitor VOCs in menstrual products.
The review could lead to additional chemical testing and monitoring, restrictions on substances of regulatory concern, disclosure requirements for fragrances and other relevant ingredients, and stronger post-market surveillance.
The agency said any new requirements would be based on scientific evidence, risk assessments and consultations with relevant stakeholders.
It added that registered sanitary pads listed in its Greenbook remain subject to regulatory monitoring throughout their life cycle.
NAFDAC said it would continue evaluating concerns through laboratory testing and regulatory investigations, strengthening its framework where the evidence indicates that further measures are necessary.
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