By Sohaib Shams
France's consumer protection watchdog has ordered a recall of hundreds of thousands of condoms after discovering severe manufacturing defects that risk bursting or splitting, marking the second such recall this year.
Second Recall This Year
The anti-fraud agency DGCCRF announced Friday that sales and imports of all condom brands made using the faulty process are suspended for one year. The investigation found the production method for ultra-thin condoms risks fluctuating latex thickness and quality, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. The government may renew the suspension if necessary.
In August, French health and anti-fraud agencies recalled approximately 260,000 condoms for the same reason. Lab tests revealed two products carried a risk of bursting or had perforations. Agencies also identified 30 condom lines on online marketplaces lacking the EU conformity seal or French labeling; around 1,000 boxes containing more than 40,000 condoms had already been sold.
Brands Affected and Response
Two of the recalled lines were manufactured by Japanese company Okamoto Industries, while others were produced by French brands My Lubie and Friday Bae. Online platforms agreed to remove the faulty listings. My Lubie CEO Pierre Lagache stated the recall involved only one batch that initially tested negative, though follow-up tests showed conformity. The company recalled the batch as a precaution, and no harm has been reported.
Authorities advised consumers who may have used the recalled condoms to undergo screening for sexually transmitted infections and to test for pregnancy in case of missed periods.
