Millions of Condoms recalled

By Rhodé Marshall
29 August 2007

4.5 Million of the condoms supplied by Zalatex – the company that has been charged with bribing an official from the South African Bureau of Standard (SABS), to approve condoms, which does not conform to the quality standards has been recalled.

The condoms were quarantined Tuesday afternoon and the number of condoms collected has increased from 3.6 million, which had been collected by Monday.

“The members of the public who may require more information or those who are concerned that they may have used the condoms that are being recalled are encouraged to contact the AIDS Helpline for more information, education and counselling,” says Department of Health spokesperson, Sibani Mngadi.

She says as a precautionary measure to maximize the safety of the public, the Department of Health is recalling all condoms supplied by Zalatex and produced by Latex Surgical Products.

“The condoms can be identified by a lot number: 4308/ZLX, the lot number is printed on the back of every condom above the expiry date,” says Mngadi.

She added that they would like to appeal to partners involved in the distribution of condoms and members of the public to assist in identifying the condoms and to return them to their nearest health facility.

For more information, education and counselling, call the AIDS Helpline on 0800 012 322.