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Press release
| Date: | 30 Oct 2006 |
|---|---|
| Time: | 10:30 |
| Subject: | MHRA seizes counterfeit condoms |
| Contact: | Press Office 020 3080 7651
or press.office@mhra.gsi.gov.uk Out-of-hours 07770 446 189 |
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) seized 17 packets of counterfeit condoms in Hounslow, London. SSL International plc, the legitimate manufacturer of the Durex Extra Safe condoms is now cooperating with the MHRA to remove the counterfeit products from the market.
The counterfeit condoms were found to have no trace of the rubber accelerator normally used by the manufacturer, but have the same batch number (20604354) as that of genuine product which was distributed in the UK between 18 March and 27 May 2005. The manufacturer estimates that all relevant genuine products should be sold out by now.
Counterfeit condoms may not be manufactured to the appropriate British or European standards, and cannot be considered to provide adequate protection against sexually transmitted infection or pregnancy. Durex and the MHRA advise not to use condoms which could be counterfeit. Customers who think that they have purchased counterfeit condoms from this batch should contact the Durex consumer helpline on 0800 338 739.
The box of the counterfeit product is difficult to distinguish from the genuine packaging and only on opening can counterfeit condoms be found to have different characteristics to these of the genuine product. Counterfeit condoms may have a different profile, may be dotted and may be fragranced with a fruity smell.
The MHRA supports the manufacturer’s actions to alert the public following concerns about counterfeit product and will distribute a Medical Device Alert to those involved in condom distribution including pharmacies, contraception services and sexual health clinics.
A similar investigation into counterfeit condoms was carried out by the MHRA in 2005. At the time a Medical Device Alert and a press release were issued and the manufacturer recalled the relevant batches.
Notes to Editor
1. The MHRA is the government agency responsible for ensuring that medicines and medical devices work, and are acceptably safe. No product is risk-free. Underpinning all our work lie robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits to patients and the public justify the risks. We keep watch over medicines and devices, and take any necessary action to protect the public promptly if there is a problem.
2. Any adverse incident should be reported to the MHRA via the website at www.mhra.gov.uk
