The Union insists that its promotional condoms are safe to use, despite claims to the contrary by the Cambridge University Students’ Union.

Over the last week, especially at the Freshers’ Fair, the Cambridge Union Society has been handing out branded condoms as a promotional tool. The condoms were professionally produced, and packaged in a Union-branded wrapper, with the words “For a more perfect Union”. Over a thousand condoms have been distributed.

However, CUSU has said the condoms do not meet strict enough safety standards. They sent an e-mail to the Welfare Officers of all Colleges’ JCRs and MCRs, as well as all Senior Tutors, warning that the condoms were unsafe.

The e-mail said, in capital letters, “PLEASE DO NOT USE THESE CONDOMS.” It went on to explain that the condoms “do not have a kitemark on them, which is the British Standards  Institution approval mark, and therefore CUSU do not recommend you  use them.” They are offering to swap any Union condoms for more rigorously tested varieties.

The ‘kitemark’ is a sign that a product has undergone independent assessment to ensure that products attain legal standards. The condoms distributed by the Union bore the ‘CE’ mark which certifies that a product is legal, but independent assessment is not always required for a ‘CE’. Many health organisations recommend the use only of condoms with a kitemark, and recognised brand names such as Durex carry them.

The condoms’ supplier, EXS, has also supplied the NHS, although CUSU say that those condoms would almost certainly have been kitemarked.

The Union is adamant that their condoms are safe. A spokesperson said, “We would like to reassure students by confirming  that the condoms meet European and British safety standards, and that we have a test certificate for the batch of condoms in question.”

Union President Adam Bott said in a message to all Union members that he “would have expected better from the body charged with the welfare of Cambridge students. We have no higher priority than our members’ continued enjoyment of a safe and satisfying sex life.” He expressed particular annoyance that CUSU did not speak to any Union officers before contacting the Colleges.

Bott says he does not think the publicity stunt has backfired. “I deeply regret any confusion caused to members by this misinformation,” he told Varsity; “but it makes CUSU look like meddling and officious fools once again.”

However, CUSU Welfare Officer Andrea Walko strongly insists that the condoms should not be used by students. She also denies that CUSU is meddling unnecessarily, saying “I just want to look after students’ welfare. It’s what I was elected to do.”