Holding Statement - February 2026
We note the announcement by the National Consumer Commission (NCC) regarding its investigation into products referenced in the recent University of the Free State study, titled, “The Presence of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Sanitary Pads: A Study Done in South Africa” (2026). We welcome the Commission’s review and will cooperate fully with their investigation.
The quality and safety of our products is, and will always remain, our highest priority at Lil-Lets. We are deeply committed to protecting and supporting our consumers, employees, communities and the environment in which we operate. Our products are manufactured in accordance with stringent international quality and safety standards applicable to the feminine hygiene category. Our Home and Personal Care manufacturing facility is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, and to the British Retail Consortium Global Standard (BRCGS) for Consumer Products, Personal Care & Household. In addition, our tampon products are certified to the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, confirming that they have been tested for harmful substances.
We have reviewed the published report by the University of the Free State. We welcome independent scientific research and recognise the importance of continued investigation into trace chemicals in everyday products.
Importantly, the study notes that the trace chemical levels detected were within existing regulatory limits. Based on current scientific evidence and applicable regulatory standards, consumers can continue to use Lil-Lets products with confidence. Interpretation of such findings must consider established global safety standards, recognised testing methodologies and real-world exposure conditions.
The term “trace” refers to extremely small amounts, often measured in parts per million or billion, that can be present in many everyday materials due to environmental background exposure across global supply chains.
Lil-Lets believes that constructive engagement is the most responsible path forward. We intend to engage directly with the authors of the study to better understand the scope, study design and analytical methodologies used, and to explore how future research can further advance knowledge in this area. We are particularly supportive of research that evaluates real-world exposure scenarios, including the migration of trace substances under normal use conditions.
Trace levels of certain chemicals can be present in many everyday products due to environmental background exposure across global supply chains. These substances are not intentionally added to our products. Nonetheless, we recognise that ongoing scientific scrutiny is important, and we remain committed to continuous improvement. We work closely with our raw material suppliers to better understand potential sources of trace substances and to reduce them wherever feasible. Our supplier partnerships include strict material specifications, routine testing protocols and compliance verification processes aligned with international best practice.
As a member of EDANA, the global association representing the nonwovens and absorbent hygiene industry, Lil-Lets participates in industry stewardship initiatives that use exposure-based risk assessments and testing methodologies designed to reflect real-world use conditions. We routinely review our testing frameworks in line with evolving scientific knowledge and regulatory guidance to ensure continued alignment with global best practice. We support efforts to continually strengthen scientific understanding and, where appropriate, standards frameworks.
Our focus remains clear: transparency, collaboration and science-led decision-making. We look forward to engaging constructively with researchers, industry bodies and regulators to ensure that menstrual products remain safe, trusted and backed by robust scientific evidence. As a brand dedicated to supporting women, we recognise the importance of trust in intimate care products and remain committed to earning that trust every day.
