Yowsa: There may be metal in tampons

Kimberly-Clark Corporation today issued a consumer advisory, as a result of suspected criminal activity, regarding a number of defective lots of Kotex Natural Balance* Security® Tampons that may pose public health risks to consumers. While the health risk to consumers is low, some of these tampons have:

increased levels of bacteria;

presence of metallic particles; or

imperfect raw materials.

These products were stolen and fraudulently distributed between October 1, 2011 and June 28, 2012. Distribution locations are unknown at this time. The affected lot codes listed below can be found in the red box located on the bottom of the carton.

Impacted Lot Code List

PRODUCT NAME CARTON COUNT LOT CODE (LISTED IN RED BOX ON BOTTOM OF CARTON) Kotex Natural Balance* Regular Absorbency Security® Tampons 18 count AC209621X; AC209622X 36 count AC209625X Kotex Natural Balance* Super Absorbency Security® Tampons 36 count AC127423X; AC209623X; AC209624X Kotex Natural Balance* Super Plus Absorbency Security® Tampons 18 count AC127322X; AC127422X; AC213822X; AC213922X; AC214022X; AC214322X 36 count AC127424X; AC206824X; AC207824X

To date, K-C has received no reports of consumer complaints regarding health issues with the product in question. However, the company is encouraging all consumers to check their Kotex Natural Balance* Security® Tampon cartons for any of the above lot codes.

The company is strongly advising consumers that all products with these lots codes should be considered unsafe and not fit for use. Because the cases have left K-C's authorized supply chain, the company has no knowledge of the product's current condition.