Paris – The French Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF) and the health authority DGS issued a joint warning on Friday about tens of thousands of condoms that may be unsafe for use. The agencies said laboratory analysis of two condom products found a heightened risk of bursting or the presence of perforations, prompting a recall of roughly 260,000 units that had already reached pharmacies and retail outlets.
Recall details and consumer guidance
The recall covers two specific brands, including products made by Japanese manufacturer Okamoto Industries and the French brands My Lubie and Friday Bae, sold by Passage du Désir. The agencies advised anyone who has used the affected condoms to seek screening for sexually transmitted infections and to take a pregnancy test if a menstrual period is missed.
Online marketplace listings
In addition to the physical‑store recall, the anti‑fraud agency identified about 30 condom lines listed on various online marketplaces that lacked the required EU conformity seal or French‑language labeling. Approximately 1,000 boxes—more than 40,000 condoms—had already been sold through these platforms. The marketplaces have agreed to remove the non‑compliant listings, the statement said.
Regulatory response
Both DGCCRF and DGS emphasized that the safety of consumer products, especially those related to sexual health, is a priority for French authorities. They noted that the EU conformity mark is mandatory for medical devices, including condoms, to ensure they meet strict safety standards. Products without the seal may not have undergone the required testing.
Company reactions
Okamoto Industries and Passage du Désir did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters. The agencies said they will continue monitoring the market and will take further action if additional non‑compliant products are discovered.
What consumers should do
Consumers who purchased condoms from pharmacies, shops, or online marketplaces should check the brand and batch numbers against the list provided by the agencies. If there is any doubt about the safety of a product, the recommendation is to discontinue use, obtain a reliable alternative, and consult a healthcare professional for any necessary testing.
The recall underscores the importance of vigilance when buying health‑related products online, where labeling and certification can sometimes be overlooked. French authorities encourage shoppers to buy from reputable retailers and to verify that products display the EU conformity mark before use.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
