Fake and unsterile contraceptives sold under a variety of brand names are already on the Chinese market. Above: Condoms for sale are lined up at a convenience store next to the cash register in Beijing. —Photo by AP

BEIJING Police in central China have closed a factory producing fake and unsterile condoms and are tracking down over two million of the unsafe contraceptives already on the market, state press said Monday.

The condoms were made in a factory in Hunan province and are believed to have been sold nationwide under a variety of names, including those of well-known makers such as Jissbon and Durex, the China Youth Daily said.

Police have detained suspect manufacturer Li Anping, who allegedly bought condoms wholesale, added an unknown lubricant and crudely packaged them without sterilising the product, the report said.

Several underage girls worked in the now-shuttered factory, it added.

Li allegedly produced up to 2.16 million condoms before the plant was closed down, it said.

Fake and faulty products remain a major concern in China as unscrupulous manufacturers seek to make profits as the nations economy booms. —AFP