We are writing to express our deep concern that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing to require menstrual product manufacturers to conduct animal testing for tampons, menstrual pads, and cups even when non-animal testing methods exist and the FDA’s own website claims that the agency is reducing animal testing requirements.
If the FDA is interested in addressing a scientific question, it must do so using reliable and human-relevant, non-animal testing approaches, in addition to relying on evidence drawn from years of product use. The agency’s resistance to fostering the use of modern approaches to evaluate menstrual products causes problems for the public and manufacturers that have pledged not to support animal testing due to ethical issues, as well as the availability of better, animal-free approaches.
We are concerned about the FDA’s resistance to embracing human-relevant science, and request that the FDA prioritize human-relevant, non-animal testing approaches that can best protect consumers. Thank you for your attention to this important public health issue.