Kimberly-Clark issues warning about stolen tampons

[September 05, 2012]  DALLAS (AP) -- Thieves have stolen and sold some rejected tampons that may pose a health risk if used, Kimberly-Clark Corp. said Tuesday.

The Dallas-based consumer products company said that some of its Kotex Natural Balance Security tampons failed final inspection and were sent to an outside company to be destroyed. But at an unknown point they were stolen and the defective products were then sold to the public.

Some of the tampons have increased levels of bacteria, the presence of metallic particles and imperfect raw materials, Kimberly-Clark said. The health risk to consumers is low and that the company has received no complaints from consumers.

The products had been scheduled to be destroyed between October 2011 and June 2012. Kimberly-Clark said it did not know the locations were they were sold.

Kimberly-Clark said it is working with the criminal investigation division of the Food and Drug Administration to determine what happened and to recover the product.

The company is encouraging all consumers to check their Kotex Natural Balance Security tampon cartons for any of the affected lot codes. Consumers should contact the company at 1-877-485-6839 for instructions on where to send the products for a full refund.

Consumers should check the lot codes on the red box located on the bottom of the carton of their tampons.

The affected lot codes include:

• Kotex Natural Balance Regular Absorbency Security Tampons

• Box of 18 count: AC209621X and AC209622X

• Box of 36 count: AC209625X

• Kotex Natural Balance Super Absorbency Security Tampons

• Box of 36 count: AC127423X, AC209623X and AC209624X

• Kotex Natural Balance Super Plus Absorbency Security Tampons

• Box of 18 count: AC127322X, AC127422X, AC213822X, AC213922X, AC214022X and AC214322X

• Box of 36 count: AC127424X, AC206824X and AC207824X

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.