House Committee Pushes US FDA to Review Feminine Wash Petition

A US House of Representatives committee has urged the Food and Drug Administration to respond to an NGO petition on the appropriate use of colourants in feminine washes.

In a report on its fiscal year 2018 agricultural appropriations bill, the House Appropriations Committee expresses concerns at "the use of unsafe colourants by manufacturers of feminine hygiene cosmetics products". And it strongly encourages the agency to issue "appropriate guidance" on the use of such substances, as called for in the 2015 petition.

The Women’s Voices for the Earth citizen's petition cited concern at the use of substances such as D&C red no 33 and ext D&C violet no 2 in feminine washes.

According to WVE, these colourants are only approved for "externally applied cosmetics". And while the labels of feminine washes typically state that the products are for 'external use only', the NGO claims they "are undoubtedly used on the vaginal area – an area of the body 'covered by mucous membrane,' which the definition of 'externally applied cosmetics' prohibits".

It therefore requested that the FDA develop "clear guidance to direct which kinds of ingredients are appropriate for use in these types of products, given that internal contact is inevitable".

The FDA acknowledged receipt of the petition and opened a public docket for it on 18 August 2015, but has not acted on the request.

Reference to the petition was adopted as an amendment to the bill's report at the request of member Grace Meng (D–New York). Ms Meng introduced the Menstrual Products Right to Know Act (HR 2416) earlier this year.

The agricultural bill has been approved by the appropriations committee and may now head to the House floor for a vote.