{
  "id": 7255318,
  "title": "Sanitary pad labelling found wanting: Consumer Council",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/sanitary-pad-labelling-found-wanting-consumer-council-7255318",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-14T05:21:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK News",
    "slug": "rthk-news",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1869936-20260914.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Consumer Council has called on manufacturers of disposable sanitary pads to improve quality control and increase transparency to safeguard users. After testing 36 different types of sanitary pads, ranging in length from 22 to 43 centimeters, the watchdog discovered that more than half of them failed to provide essential labeling information. This information includes key ingredients, surface materials, production dates, and shelf life periods. Such details are vital for individuals with sensitive skin to determine if using the product may result in an allergic reaction. Six of the tested pads lacked either a production date or an expiry and shelf life date. According to the council's chief executive Alaina Shum, sanitary pads should only be kept for a maximum of three years. Extended storage periods can negatively impact absorption performance, as well as the potential growth of moisture-induced microbiomes and bacteria. Additionally, the council found significant variations in absorption speeds among different brands. In the tested sample, pads measuring between 22 and 25 centimeters absorbed a menstrual blood simulation solution in seven seconds, while LadiM pads took 73 seconds to do so, falling short of the mainland's one-minute requirement. The Consumer Council emphasizes that manufacturers should conduct regular tests to ensure product quality and clearly label production, expiry, and shelf life dates to minimize health risks for users. The materials used in the pads should also always be indicated. Consumers, on the other hand, are advised to store sanitary pads in well-ventilated areas to prevent moisture absorption.",
  "summary": "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…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "RTHK English",
        "title": "Sanitary pad labelling found wanting: Consumer Council",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/sanitary-pad-labelling-found-wanting-consumer-council",
        "published": "2026-09-14T05:21:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}