Press Release

FAKE CONDOMS SEIZED BY COUNCIL

1 November 2007

Camden Council has issued a safety warning to residents after trading standard officers seized more than 200 counterfeit condoms following a tip off from a disgruntled member of the public.

A total of 75 packets of condoms were seized by Camden Council's trading standards team after they swooped on three shops in Kentish Town Road, NW5.

The discovery, the first of its kind in Camden, has prompted officers to launch a wider search of the whole borough.

The Council has now launched an investigation, which could bring about legal proceedings.

Counterfeit condoms are unlikely to provide proper protection against pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. Seven brands of fake three-packs are believed to be in circulation in London.

Counterfeit condoms can be identified by looking at the packet's batch number. Durex, which allocates a batch number to each packet, confirmed the numbers were false and had not been issued by the company.

The Council would urge all members of the public to buy condoms from a chemist or similar business due to health and safety risks surrounding the use of fake condoms.

Shopkeepers are also encouraged to buy condoms from legitimate sources or face legal action.

Cllr Mike Greene, Camden Council's Executive Member of Environment, said:

"The Council is committed to preventing accidents in Camden and would urge residents to buy condoms from a reputable chemist. We would also encourage shopkeepers to buy condoms from legitimate sources or face a hefty fine."

Martyn Ward, Managing Director of Durex, said:

"Durex is the world's leading condom brand with a reputation for trust, reliability and safety. We are completely committed to quality and maintaining the health and safety of our customers."