Sanitary Pads
The Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) has assured women and mothers that all registered sanitary towels on the market have been approved by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and standardised by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and are safe for use.
The assurance follows complaints received by the Agency from some users reporting discomfort, itching and boils after using sanitary towels.
According to a statement released by the CPA, and signed by Benjamin Akoto, Head of Complaints, it re-tested all registered products on the market upon receipt of the complaints to reaffirm product quality, and the tests confirmed that the products are in good condition.
Mr. Akoto said further investigations by the Agency, revealed that the reported discomfort was as a result of handling and usage, noting that sanitary towels are very sensitive products that can easily pick up infections.
He said the agency identified three main causes. First was poor hand hygiene, where many users do not properly wash their hands or use sanitizer before applying or changing their sanitary towels, leading to the transfer of bacteria and viruses to the private area.
Second, failure to change regularly as directed in the usage manual. Sanitary towels should be changed every 2 to 4 hours during the day.
Third, improper clothing and heat build-up. The Agency established that some users wear two underwears or panties before their normal clothing after applying the towel.
“As the towel generates heat, combined with humidity, heat rashes quickly develop in the private area, leading to itching and infections if not treated promptly,” the statement said.
The CPA said it has identified a gap in the safe usage of sanitary towels and will soon embark on a nationwide awareness campaign to protect women from such discomfort.
It further assured consumers of its commitment to ensuring product satisfaction, but was quick to remind consumers of their responsibility to adhere to usage guidelines.
A Daily Guide Report