NATION : Cut-Rate Condoms Fail in Philly
Health Department officials tried to save some money by buying discount Japanese condoms for public distribution, but users say they are uncomfortable and defective.
Users of the condoms, which cost about half a cent less than the city’s regular brand, are reporting they are too tight, too thin and too easily torn.
The condoms, known as Crowns, are manufactured by Okamoto Industries of Tokyo and were supplied to the city through a branch office in Connecticut. The city, responding to its budget crisis, opted for the Crown condoms when the price of its customary condoms rose to 5.5 cents apiece.
The condoms are distributed to about 30 health agencies for distribution to lower-income residents for the prevention of syphilis, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
