Kimberly-Clark has 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, the 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.

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 the lot codes listed on the company website.

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.

As always, K-C recommends that any consumer experiencing health concerns regarding the use of tampons should immediately cease using the product and contact their physician. Consumers should contact K-C at 877-485-6839 for instructions on where to send the impacted products in return for a full refund.

As part of K-C’s ongoing brand and consumer protection activities, the company determined that some of the products scheduled for destruction between October 2011 and June 2012 have been offered for sale. An investigation into this activity is ongoing and now involves the criminal investigation division of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). K-C, in conjunction with the FDA, is continuing efforts to recover the impacted tampons.

K-C and the FDA are asking for the public’s help in reporting any information regarding this situation to the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations by calling 800-521-5783 or by visiting www.fda.gov/OCI.