Durex has recalled some of its condoms from the markets in the United Kingdom and Ireland after they failed burst pressure tests. The condom company's six, 12 and 18-packs of 'Reel Feel' and latex-free condoms failed the tests as they near their use-by dates. Durex, one of the UK's major condom manufacturers recalled the products on Monday.

In the UK all the condoms made this year are on sale and have an expiry date between December 2020 and February 2021. Durex said that condoms in this batch could burst more easily than normal.

A health authority also warned that this could raise the risk of unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases. Durex apologised and warned customers to not the particular batch of condoms. People can return packs of condoms if they think they are the affected ones.

Durex in a statement said, "Our tests have shown that some batches which are currently on the market in UK & Ireland do not pass the requirements for burst pressure towards the end of the shelf life for the product."

They also said, "Our condoms are intended to provide a method of contraception and prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through a non-latex barrier that offers a benefit to consumers sensitive to latex. Only for the batches of condoms affected by this issue, there could be an increase in the number of condoms that burst during application or use."

It added that there was no immediate safety concern but decided to recall the products after in consultation with the relevant regulatory authorities. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said in a statement, "Anyone using affected batches is advised to stop use over concerns they do not meet safety standards."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 31, 2018 04:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).