A long-standing demand from feminist activists. Manufacturers of feminine intimate protection products sold in France must, since Monday, display their composition on the packaging or instructions for use, indicated the Fraud Repression Agency (DGCCRF). The decree implementing this measure was published at the end of December in the Official Journal and comes into force on April 1. It still provides, until the end of the year, a tolerance so that brands can sell their stocks already placed on the market.
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This measure concerns manufacturers and those responsible for placing tampons, napkins, menstrual cups or panties on the market. They must “mention several types of information on the labeling and/or instructions for use of the products concerned,” the DGCCRF detailed in a press release published at the beginning of March.
Toxic shock syndrome
The list of components must be provided, with "for each of them, the details of the substances and materials incorporated", "the mention of the methods and precautions for use", as well as "the possible undesirable effects (irritation, intolerance, allergies , microtrauma) or more serious such as menstrual toxic shock syndrome (TSS). »
Estimated by INSERM at around a hundred per year, this syndrome is mainly caused by the use of internal periodic protection, namely tampons and menstrual cups.
Fraud Repression indicates that “information on the composition and good use practices” are essential for “preventing the risk of toxic shock syndrome”. As early as February 2020, a parliamentary report recommended the obligation to mention the possible presence of traces of toxic substances on packaging. Challenged in 2015 by a petition signed by more than 300,000 people, the Procter & Gamble brand, which markets Tampax, chose to indicate the composition of its tampons.