Vol. 420 No. 6
129 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if he proposes to make a regulation forcing manufacturers of tampons to put a health warning on their packaging, especially in view of a most recent case where a Cork woman was pronounced clinically dead on arrival in hospital and subsequently required a kidney transplant and also especially in view of the claim that the whole problem was caused by using a tampon; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Following consultations with the Department of Health and the Department of Trade and Industry in the UK in 1990, manufacturers of tampons agreed voluntarily to put a statement on the packaging concerning the proper use of these products. This directs consumers to read and retain an accompanying leaflet which contains more detailed information on the symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome and the action to be taken if symptoms occur. The Association of Sanitary Protection Manufacturers (UK) has issued guidelines in the matter to its members.
There is only one manufacturer of tampons in Ireland. Its parent company in the UK is a member of the Association and its Irish subsidiary complies fully with the guidelines. In the circumstances regulations are not considered necessary.
