Condoms recalled after suspected perforation
The Department of Health has recalled a batch of Choice condoms after media reports that they were found to be perforated.
The reports stated that the condoms were widely distributed throughout Bloemfontein ahead of the ANC centenary as an influx of visitors was expected. It was found that some of the condoms had holes in them, causing an outcry from the public over health and safety concerns.
The spokesperson for the provincial Department of Health, Jabu Mbalula, said the condoms were recalled and will be investigated to assess whether or not they were indeed defective.
“The alleged defective male condoms have been recalled from all facilities and institutions to which they were distributed.”
Mbalula added that scientific tests would be conducted on the condoms to establish whether or not they were safe for use.
“The method used by people is basically to pour in a condom a lot of water and apply pressure by squeezing the condom.”
According to Mbalula, this is not a scientific method to test the quality of a condom.
The National Department of Health will also be investigating the authenticity of the condoms and if they indeed came from the contracted manufacturer.
Leaky condoms pose a threat to health as they could lead to increased HIV/Aids infections and other sexually transmitted infections.
“We are not leaving anything to chance because we understand that condoms play an important role in the fight against the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.”
Mbalula said the message has been relayed to the public to warn them about the leaky condoms.
A resident of Mangaung, Thabo Morapedi, said he heard a message on radio to return the condoms to the department. According to him, he is not concerned because he does not use Choice condoms.
“They said we should not use the condoms that are distributed to hotels, lodges, and bed-and-breakfasts.”
According to another resident, Mohau Tau, he also heard about the condoms on the radio but like Morapedi uses other brands of condoms. “I have never really liked those free condoms. I buy mine. At least those are reliable.”
The Weekly conducted its own unscientific tests on a randomly selected sample of condoms from various clinics in Bloemfontein and none of them showed signs of perforation.
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