Share

Bad condom list released

Beware of the Randy Rat - it does not conform to standards, the SA Bureau of Standards (SABS) warned on Thursday.

"Randy Rat" is one of the products on a list of condom brands the SABS described as possibly defective even though they carry an SABS mark of approval.

The SABS released the list to alert the public of brands that were allegedly certified in exchange for cash.

Brands to look out for
The brands to look out for are: Ultramour, LSP, Makoya, Randy Rat, Condom Concept, Positions, and African Skins, said SABS spokesman Erno Botes.

Also affected is the department of health's "Choice" brand, bearing manufacturer's lot numbers starting with 4308/ZLX/--.

The other lot numbers of the Choice brand were safe, Botes said.

The non-conforming condoms did not conform to standards that related to effectiveness based on tests conducted by the authority.

Could be defective
This meant the condoms could be defective, he said.

"The SABS has instructed Latex Surgical Products (LSP) to recall the above branded condoms and SABS confirms that it is taking legal action against LSP in relation to the non-conforming products."

The health department was recalling the Choice condoms from its national HIV/Aids supply chain that bore the affected manufacturer's lot number.

"The SABS wishes to confirm that it has withdrawn its mark from these above condom brand names and that it may not be applied to their packaging," Botes said.

Earlier on Thursday, the case against a man accused of certifying defective condoms in exchange for cash was postponed in the Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court, police said.

Sphiwe Fikizolo, 36, an employee at the SABS, was arrested at his home in Pretoria East on Wednesday morning.

He had allegedly passed condoms, which had failed quality tests, in exchange for money. – (Sapa)

Read more:
Defective condom shock
Contraception Centre

August 2007

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE