Press release: MHRA warns about counterfeit condoms found in Hackney

Press release

Date:	26 Oct 2007
Time:	09:00
Subject:	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) has been made aware that counterfeit condoms have been found in various retail outlets e.g. corner shops and newsagents, in Hackney, London. Seven different types of counterfeit three-packs have been identified found by Hackney Trading Standards.

Durex arouser 3 pack – LOT 20906043
Durex ribbed 3 pack – LOTs 20905271, 20904142, 299118
Durex select 3 pack – LOT P4379
Durex extra safe 3 pack  – LOT 20604354
Durex performa 3 pack – LOT TGL4142
Durex gossamer 3 pack – LOT 21405074
Durex fetherlite 3 pack – LOT 21405074

Counterfeit condoms may not be manufactured to the appropriate British or European standards, and therefore may not provide adequate protection against sexually transmitted infection or pregnancy. The MHRA advises against the use of condoms which could be counterfeit. Customers who think that they may have purchased any of the above counterfeit condoms should contact the Durex consumer helpline on 0800 338 739.

The fakes were discovered in corner shops and newsagents in Hackney. A full investigation was launched by Hackney Trading Standards.

The MHRA will shortly be sending out a Medical Device Alert to those involved in condom distribution including pharmacies, contraception services and sexual health clinics. www.mhra.gov.uk

Notes to Editor

1. Hackney Council has published a press release on 15th October. Please see the hyperlink below. http://www.hackney.gov.uk/w-press-releases-current.htm
   
   
2. If consumers believe they have counterfeit condoms, then they can contact their local trading standards office.
   
   
3. Similar investigations into counterfeit condoms were carried out by the MHRA in March 2005 and October 2006 and December 2006.
   
   
4. Durex arouser 3 pack – LOT 20906043
   Durex ribbed 3 pack – LOTs 20905271, 20904142, 299118
   Durex select 3 pack – LOT P4379
   
   Please be aware that counterfeit products that were the subject of previous notifications (MDA/2006/063 and MDA/2006/072) are known to be still available on the UK market:
   Durex extra safe 3 pack – LOT 20604354
   Durex performa 3 pack – LOT TGL4142
   Durex gossamer 3 pack – LOT 21405074
   Durex fetherlite 3 pack – LOT 21405074
   
   
5. Incidents relating to medical devices must be reported to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as soon as possible through the website www.mhra.gov.uk
   Information and printed incident report forms are available from: MHRA Adverse Incident Centre on 020 7084 3080 or e-mail: aic@mhra.gsi.gov.uk
   (An answerphone service operates outside normal office hours)