Condom makers struggle to handle increased demand
Contraceptive Technology Update 8(8): 97-99
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0274-726X PMID: 12268776 Document Number: 357819
Growing public concern about AIDS has led to an increase in demand and importation of condoms. The increased demand, which has put pressure on manufacturers and distributors, has also led to increased scrutiny of condom quality. The public, as well as the FDA, are concerned about the quality standards of U.S. made and foreign-manufactured condoms. U.S. manufacturers welcome the FDA attention because of its potential to keep marginal producers out of the market. 3 U.S. manufacturers issued voluntary recalls of their products in 1987, and there is particular concern about foreign condoms. Many foreign shipments of condoms have been confiscated at the border because they failed the FDA's leakage test. With the demand for condoms up 20% or more, new ways of distribution are surfacing. Vending machines are a new means of distribution, but there are limited packaging plants (only 1 in 1987) to fill the demand. As AIDS continues to escalate, the importance of strict quality standards and efficient distribution and manufacture of condoms cannot be overemphasized.