Identifying counterfeit condoms on International Condom Day

International Condom Day (ICD) is observed annually on February 13, a day before Valentine’s Day, to promote safer sex practices and raise awareness about the importance of condoms in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, and unplanned pregnancies.

This day encourages open conversations about sexual health, challenges the stigma surrounding condom use, and promotes accessibility to condoms as an essential tool for reproductive health.

The Health Department recently issued a warning to the public to look out for counterfeit condoms in circulation. These findings were mainly made at spaza shops in Gauteng. Speaking to Bush Radio’s Sakhisizwe programme, Avian Bell is Chief Executive Officer of Quantumed, outlines how one can identify counterfeit condoms.

‘’Look at the manufacturing details, it will be listed on the box or the foil of the condom – manufacturing name, date, expiry date, lot numbers or batch numbers; Visually, identify for unusual markings such as the font, the language usage (no grammatical errors), imagery on the box, look for SABS marking or any other approved label. Yes, it is easy to mimic marking, but they cannot mimic the touch and feel.

‘’From a touch or feel perspective, when you take it out of the foil, you can feel the latex, if it has a smooth consistent latex, it is fine, if has a rough feel, it is likely a knockoff. Even the smell – we found that fake condoms has this strong synthetic, musky smell like glue, where the genuine condom has a smell of subtle smell like rubber. If it is a scented condom, it will have the smell to it, but the aim is the latex feel to it,’’ said Bell.

He says albeit in other provinces, one should still be aware.

‘’It is just a rule of thumb to be mindful, as you would not want to go to the shops and purchase expired foods as it is a risk on your health. Just like purchasing a counterfeit condom as it is a risk on your health, as it could end in a fatal disease being contracted, so just check no matter where you are in the country.’’

Bell says counterfeit condoms can contract STI’s/STD, or HIV/AIDs. It also has a mental effect on one’s life, as it can also bring unwanted pregnancies.

He gave advice for young people and parents.

‘’Sex Education should be a general thing that all kids should talk about. I know many steer clear from the topic as it is taboo for some, or it embarrasses people, but the more we talk about it, the more educated one gets, and just be careful. Rather take the stance of ‘if you are doing it behind my back, I’d rather have you do it safely’, than being punished for it. Parents should be open to their kids. Same with the teachers at school, but there are tools one can utilize the correct way to put on condoms.’’

Done by: Mitchum George