Senegal parliamentary mission concludes Softcare investigation

A Senegalese parliamentary mission has concluded its investigation into the Softcare affair, involving the hygiene products manufacturer. While the mission confirmed the presence of approximately 2,260 kilograms of expired raw materials at the company’s Sindia facility, it stated there is no scientific evidence that these materials were actually incorporated into finished products sold to consumers.

During hearings at the National Assembly, Minister of Industry and Commerce Serigne Guèye Diop acknowledged procedural failures and violations within the company but emphasized that the expired materials found did not match the specifications of the products in question. He advocated for a balance between strict sanitary controls and the preservation of local industry and jobs, suggesting the company be given time to meet required standards.

In response to the findings, the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Ibrahima Sy, noted that a new decree to regulate the manufacture, importation, and distribution of cosmetics and hygiene products has already been drafted and submitted to the government. This regulatory update aims to strengthen the oversight and surveillance of products affecting public health. Additionally, the government plans to reinforce field inspections through joint brigades involving control services and security forces.