The Kenya Bureau of Standards has said they will be testing Always pads to determine if there was a breach of quality standards after women expressed outrage claiming that the products cause rashes, itching and burns in the vaginal area.
A statement issued on Thursday said the outcome of the analysis will determine the next cause of action which could be market withdrawal of any substandard products.
“Consumers are requested to report any specific complaint through KEBS Toll free line of 1545 between 8.00 am to 5.00 pm during weekdays or email complaints@kebs.org. You can also channel complaints through facebook at Kenya Bureau of Standards and Twitter @Kebs_ke,” the statement reads in part.
The agency however noted that past surveillance of Always pads found that the product passed quality standard tests.
Citing the KS EAS 96-1:2018 East Africa Standard for Sanitary, the agency maintained that all brands in Kenya were tested and 90percent of them were found to have quality compliance.
Always ultra, Always platinum, Always maxi, Always ultra-normal, Always extra-long were part of the tested samples, according to the statement.
On its part, P&G that produces the Always pads responded to the allegations saying that women have different experiences when on their periods.
The company said they have introduced different types of pads to cater for these needs.
According to the company, all pads across their markets including the ones in Kenya are designed and developed in the U.S. using the same technology and materials.
“We would also like to draw your attention to some misinformation where pads from different countries are being compared on social media. The comparisons are different product versions that are all available in Kenya as well. For example, our soft (pink pack) pads are similar to the Always Sensitive (pink pack) pads in Europe. They are comparing Always Maxi Thick, also found in Europe and Kenya, To Always Sensitive when both products are available in Kenya as well,” the statement from P&G reads.