South Africa: Independent Lab Will Test Faulty Condoms

An official with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) said Wednesday that the agency, in response to quality complaints, plans to independently verify the reliability of a brand of condoms sold by a leading retailer.

The condoms, manufactured by Trust Condoms and distributed by Pick n Pay, had been approved previously by the South African Bureau of Standards. NCC received a complaint about bursting condoms on Feb. 20, prompting the removal of all condoms with that lot number from store shelves. Trust Condoms sent samples to SABS for testing; the results showed all condoms in the lot complied with SABS standards.

However, NCC spokesperson Mamodupi Mohlalasaid said the commission believes the best course of action is for the condoms to be independently reviewed, rather than for the agency that initially approved them, SABS, to re-certify them.

"This complaint is also considered in a very serious light due to the current AIDS pandemic in South Africa, and one complaint may save thousands of lives," said Mohlala. "It is within this context that the commission encourages consumers to be vigilant in ensuring that their rights are protected."

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