Sanitary Pads Fail Test
A watchdog found huge gaps in absorption speeds and over half of products were poorly labelled, with one pad taking 73 seconds to absorb simulated menstrual blood
A recent survey by the Consumer Council revealed significant gaps in sanitary pad absorption speeds, with one product taking a staggering 73 seconds to fully absorb simulated menstrual blood. The council tested 36 winged sanitary towels and found that this particular product exceeded the mainland China national standard recommendation of no more than 60 seconds.
The prices of the tested sanitary pads ranged from HK$1 to HK$5.60 (12 US cents to 71 US cents) per piece, indicating a wide range of affordability. However, the tests conducted by the Consumer Council showed that the quality of these products varied greatly.
The tests were conducted in accordance with the national standard for sanitary absorbent pads and examined various factors such as length, weight, absorption speed, adhesive peel strength, moisture content, chemical balance, and the presence of hidden preservatives. The results showed that over half of the tested sanitary pads were poorly labelled, which can make it difficult for consumers to make informed choices.
The Consumer Council has called on suppliers to strengthen quality management and conduct regular testing to ensure product hygiene and safety. This is crucial in ensuring that consumers have access to safe and effective sanitary products.
## Why it matters The findings of the Consumer Council are significant because they highlight the need for better quality control and labelling in the sanitary pad industry. Consumers rely on these products for their health and hygiene, and it is essential that they are manufactured and labelled to meet certain standards. The council's call to action is a step in the right direction, and suppliers must take responsibility for ensuring the quality and safety of their products.
The Consumer Council's test results serve as a reminder that consumers need to be aware of the products they use and demand better quality and transparency from manufacturers. As the council continues to monitor and test sanitary products, it is likely that more attention will be drawn to this issue, and suppliers will be held accountable for their products.
