The ongoing scandal surrounding mislabeled sanitary pads in China has sparked a wave of outrage on social media, culminating in apologies from manufacturers as concerns over women's health and product quality gain traction.
Chinese Sanitary Pad Controversy Sparks Outrage and Apologies
Chinese Sanitary Pad Controversy Sparks Outrage and Apologies
Leading sanitary pad manufacturers in China face backlash after products were found to be shorter than advertised, initiating a broader discourse on women's health standards.
Chinese companies producing sanitary pads have issued public apologies following an outcry over discrepancies between advertised product lengths and actual measurements. Videos on social media platforms, particularly Xiaohongshu, depicted women measuring the lengths of popular brands' pads, revealing that many of them fell short of the specifications shown on packaging. This has ignited a furious debate among consumers about the integrity of feminine hygiene products, which have faced scrutiny in the past over safety issues.
The issue first gained attention on November 3 when a user showcased her findings, demonstrating that all nine brands she measured were at least 10mm shorter than claimed. The accompanying message in her video questioned the ethics of manufacturers, asking, "Will cutting a few centimetres help you strike it rich?" This angry sentiment was echoed broadly, with many accusing brands of deceit.
In a related report by Chinese news outlet The Paper, an investigation into over 20 different sanitary pad brands pinpointed that nearly 90% of these products were found to be "shrunken." While national regulations allow for a 4% deviation from advertised lengths, they do not specify the absorbent layer's length, leading to further consumer frustration. Following these revelations, the government announced plans to revise national standards governing sanitary pads, signaling recognition of the issue's seriousness.
The scandal escalated when ABC, a prominent Chinese brand, faced backlash for its customer service's dismissive response to consumer complaints. While the brand later issued a statement of apology, their initial approach drew significant criticism. Other companies, such as Beishute and Shecare, have also responded to the uproar by expressing regret for the situation and promising improvements.
The issue has been noted by state media, with Xinhua emphasizing the direct correlation between sanitary pad quality and female health. The article underscored that as a basic necessity for women, the current state of manufacturing practices cannot be overlooked.
Sanitary pads represent a crucial segment of the $13 billion feminist hygiene market in China, yet this industry has a troubled history. Previous incidents include a 2016 scandal involving a significant counterfeit sanitary towel operation and a 2021 case where a brand faced backlash after a woman discovered a needle in a pad.
Reactions among consumers encapsulate wider concerns about how products for women are manufactured and marketed. A trending hashtag on Weibo asks, "Is it that hard for sanitary pads to tackle women’s needs?" Another, reflecting the growing resentment, states, "Sanitary pads yield a centimetre; women yield for a lifetime." This controversy showcases not only a product failure but reflects a deeper discontent among women regarding the quality of everyday health products designed for them.
