Counterfeit condoms: Don't play Russian Roulette with fake protection!
The Ekurhuleni Department of Health is raising concerns about the circulation of counterfeit condoms.
Picture: Pixabay
Clarence Ford is joined by Avian Bell, CEO of Quantumed, a local supplier of condoms.
Listen below:
Hot on the heels of concerns regarding the quality of food items being sold in South Africa's spaza shops, a new danger has now emerged: the sale of counterfeit condoms.
Despite condoms being available for free at health facilities, some customers are purchasing these bogus prophylactics from spaza shops.
Earlier this month, the Ekurhuleni Department of Health raised concerns about the circulation of counterfeit condoms, particularly in Gauteng province.
According to reports, these products lack certification from the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), meaning their reliability in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies cannot be guaranteed.
Bell is encouraging customers to read package labels carefully to ensure they are buying reliable, quality protection.
"No matter where you're buying them, whether it's spaza shops or your well-known shops, just do your checks."
- Avian Bell, CEO - Quantumed
Bell says when it comes to spotting the real from the fake, there are a few things you should be on the lookout for.
"The manufacturer's name and details should be listed somewhere on the box. Things like the expiry date, the manufacturing date, the lot number or batch number."
- Avian Bell, CEO - Quantumed
Bell says the box the condoms come in can be a real giveaway.
"You usually find with these counterfeit condoms the boxes have been made really badly."
- Avian Bell, CEO - Quantumed
If you get as far as the actual condom without your suspicions being raised, Bell says it's important to make sure the condom itself is the real deal.
"The look and the feel - a condom should be well-lubricated. If it's a smooth condom; it should be smooth to the touch."
- Avian Bell, CEO - Quantumed
"And from a smell perspective, we've found that these counterfeit condoms can have almost a synthetic, sour, musty smell."
- Avian Bell, CEO - Quantumed
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.