AROUND 600 kettles with potentially dangerous counterfeit controls are believed to be in use in UK homes.

The problem was uncovered by Trading Standards officers who intercepted a consignment of electric kettles containing copycat controls on their way into the country.

The counterfeits were discovered during a routine inspection and the importer was notified.

The importer, who believed the controls to be genuine, was said to be shocked at the news.

According to kettle control maker STRIX, which has spearheaded a major campaign against the pirates that have often targeted its products:

"Unscrupulous suppliers can catch out even the most careful importer."

It pointed out that the importer, who has not been named, was tricked by a Chinese kettle maker.

"The importer believed the kettles carried genuine STRIX controls and had European approvals marks."

The importer has worked with STRIX to recover any kettles that made it on to the market, but around 600 were unaccounted for.

STRIX said anyone who suspects their kettle may contain counterfeit controls should contact it for advice.