Fake condoms warning

Members of the public are being warned to look out for counterfeit condoms, after a batch was found on sale recently in Birmingham.

The fake items, labelled “Durexx Gossamer 3 pack”, were seized from a retailer in the Garretts Green area of Birmingham, after someone spotted what appeared to be a spelling mistake.

Sajeela Naseer, Head of Birmingham Trading Standards, urged traders to check their stocks.

Tests on previous batches of counterfeit condoms revealed they typically have a failure rate 10 times higher than the legitimate products.

Mr Nasser said: “Our advice to the public is to check any condoms they have.

"If they have any concerns we urge people not to use them and to contact us immediately. We are particularly keen to find out where people may have bought them from."

Tell-tale signs that the condoms on sale are counterfeit include mis-spelling the word Durex, no cellophane wrapping, no instruction leaflet on how to use the condoms and no expiry date on the individual condom packet.

This article was published on Wed 11 May 2011