Dakar, Senegal – Senegal’s Minister of Health, Ibrahima Sy, has reassured the public that menstrual pads produced by the Chinese company Softcare are safe for consumers following an investigation into expired raw materials.
The controversy began when the pharmaceutical regulator accused Softcare of holding approximately 1,300 kilograms (2,865 pounds) of expired polyethylene film, initially thought to be intended for use in diapers and menstrual pads. Concerns escalated when the regulator requested the withdrawal of affected products from the market.
Investigation Findings
After a detailed inquiry, the Health Ministry clarified that the expired materials were never incorporated into products sold to the public. The expired film was reportedly present only in production areas and was never used in commercial feminine hygiene products.
“The Ministry of Health wishes to reassure users and all consumers regarding the absence of health risks linked to the use of expired raw materials in the manufacture of Softcare products,” Minister Sy stated at a press conference on Thursday.
Sy confirmed that the investigation, based on scientific and technical data, found no proven health risks associated with Softcare’s menstrual pads currently available on the market.
Regulatory Breach
While consumers can be confident in the safety of the products, the Health Minister acknowledged that the presence of expired materials in the factory constituted a breach of regulations. Inspectors had also reported attempted bribery by Softcare representatives during the inspection process.
Softcare has consistently denied wrongdoing throughout the scandal, emphasizing compliance with manufacturing standards.
The Ministry’s statement is intended to restore public confidence and reinforce regulatory vigilance in Senegal’s health product sector.
