Public warned of fake condoms in circulation

Almost 500,000 substandard condoms have been sold to unsuspecting members of the public, the Irish Medicines Board warned today.

The IMB said that following an investigation it discovered two batches of fake condoms with the Durex brand name had made their way onto the Irish market.

"The condoms were illegally imported into the Ireland and do not meet the stringent European standard for condoms," the board said in a statement.

It said the condoms were unsafe and "may not provide an effective barrier to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases or work as an effective means of contraception."

Although a large number had been seized, some 40,000 boxes of 12 had already been sold to customers, the IMB statement added.

Consumers have been told to check any packets they may have. The recall relates to boxes of 12 only. The two counterfeit batches identified carry the following information:

Product Name: Durex Extra Safe 12 Pack
Batch number: 20602503
Expiry Date: 2007/11

and

Product Name: Durex Fetherlite 12 Pack
Batch number: VR3073 U or C or E or €
Expiry Date: 2008/02