Warning issued about stolen tampons

DALLAS (AP) - Kimberly-Clark Corp. says thieves have stolen and sold some rejected tampons that may pose a health risk if used.

The Dallas-based consumer products company said some of its Kotex Natural Balance Security tampons failed the company's 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.

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

The products had been scheduled to be destroyed between October 2011 and June 2012.