France orders recall of 7 million condoms over manufacturing defects

French authorities have mandated a recall of 15 types of condoms found to have manufacturing flaws. The Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control said the defective products are ultra-thin condoms made by Malaysian manufacturer Richter Rubber Technology. Officials warned the defects could lead the condoms to burst or rip, compromising protection against sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. The French economy ministry said the recall covers roughly 7 million condoms distributed across the European Union, with only a portion sold in France.

Laboratory testing revealed problems with the thickness and quality of the latex film used in production. "Some users have reported condom breakages and unwanted pregnancies linked to the sampled batches," authorities stated in an Oct. 22 order published on Oct. 30. The order noted the condoms "failed both the pressure and burst volume tests and the tests relating to the absence of perforations." It also concluded the manufacturer exhibited "a lack of control over the manufacturing process of its products."

The French government has imposed a one-year suspension on the sale and import of all ultra-thin condoms made by Richter Rubber using the faulty process, a measure that can be extended. The affected items were sold under various brand names throughout Europe. Authorities have published a list of specific products and batches, ordering their removal from store shelves and a recall from consumers who may have purchased them. This action follows an investigation prompted by earlier recalls this summer. Approximately 260,000 condoms were recalled in late May and early August. Since those initial recalls, eight users have come forward to report condom breakages. The DGCCRF stated that nearly 40,000 non-compliant condoms were sold in France and that 200,000 untested and unsafe condoms were detected in Europe.

Anyone who has used the affected condoms is advised to get screened for sexually transmitted infections at a medical lab. They are also urged to take a pregnancy test if their period is late. Consumers with concerns should contact their doctor or a free sexual health screening centre. The watchdog also encouraged people to report any incidents of condom breakage or perforation through the government's health incident reporting platform.

With files from Yahoo News