Manufacturers of disposable sanitary pads have been urged to step up quality control and transparency to better protect users.

The call from the Consumer Council on Monday came after it carried out tests covering 36 types of disposable winged sanitary pads that range between 22 centimetres and 43 centimetres in length.

It found more than half of them lacked labelling on information such as key ingredients and surface materials, which the watchdog said is crucial for people with sensitive skin to assess whether the usage would lead to a possible allergic reaction.

Six types that came with the production date did not offer the shelf life period or expiry date.

Pads can only be stored for a maximum of three years, according to the watchdog's chief executive Alaina Shum.

"Because when it is stored for too long it will actually affect the absorption performance," she said.

"On the other hand, it will also affect whether there is any moisture that will induce the microbiome growth as well as the growth of bacteria."

Moreover, the council discovered that the absorption speed of sanitary pads varied widely.

In the sample group, with pads measuring between 22 and 25 centimetres, products of Sofy and Kotex took only seven second to absorb a test solution simulating menstrual blood, but those of LadiM took 73 seconds — below the mainland's requirement of one minute.

The watchdog said makers of sanitary pads should carry out regular tests to ensure that products are up to par, and they should clearly label the production, expiry date, and shelf life to reduce any health risks caused to users.

The materials used to make the product should also be indicated at all times.

Buyers for their part, should store the sanitary pads in well-ventilated places to prevent moisture absorption, it added.





Edited by Tony Sabine