Why do tampons need to be sterile in the packet when they're going to get contaminated as soon as they're unwrapped?

We conducted microbial analysis on several mainstream tampon brands and found them contaminated with E.coli, staph and candida. Tampons are not classed as a medical device in the UK, so sterilisation is not legally required (bear in mind that it is legally required on other everyday products, like plasters).

We think that tampon manufacturers should hold themselves to higher standards and eliminate anything that could interfere with the balance of the vaginal microbiome or lead to infection. At Daye, we self-regulate and sanitise our tampons in their final packaging using gamma rays.

If a tampon is inserted with clean hands, using a sterilised applicator, contamination outside of its wrapper should be minimal.

Read more about manufacturing standards, and the way we make our tampons and why, here.