Condom Danger -xx

The London Paper carried the following report in late January 2007:

A HEALTH warning has been issued after fake condoms hit high street shelves.

Experts said packets of "Durexx Gossamer" - fake copies with an extra "x" - seized by trading standards officers could spell disaster for lovers. The fakes are copies of a variety of condoms made by the well-known brand Durex.

Shoppers are being warned not to be misled by the extra "x" on the packet as the counterfeits have not passed British safety regulations. It is feated they may be on shop shelves in London.

John Beavan, trading standards manager at Walsll where the first batch of condoms was uncovered, said: "This is potentially very serious. A brief glance at this packet and people may well be taken in, but they are conterfeit.

"A simple check is for people to look for an extra "x" on the packet."