Consumer Council urges sanitary pad makers to improve labeling and quality control

A Consumer Council survey of 36 disposable winged sanitary pads uncovered significant labeling gaps, with more than half lacking details on ingredients and surface materials—information crucial for people prone to allergic reactions. Six of the tested pads listed a production date but omitted both expiry and shelf-life dates, even though the council advises a maximum three-year storage period to maintain absorption performance and prevent bacterial growth.

Absorption speed varied dramatically; pads from Sofy and Kotex absorbed a simulated menstrual fluid in seven seconds, while LadiM pads took 73 seconds, exceeding the mainland's one-minute requirement. The council’s chief executive, Alaina Shum, emphasized the need for manufacturers to perform regular quality checks and to provide clear labeling of production dates, expiry dates, shelf life, and material composition. Consumers were also advised to store pads in well-ventilated areas to avoid moisture buildup.