French authorities have issued a warning about tens of thousands of potentially defective condoms sold through online platforms, pharmacies, and retail stores, raising concerns over their safety and effectiveness. The alert comes after laboratory tests identified two products with risks of bursting or containing perforations, prompting officials to recall approximately 260,000 condoms from circulation. These products were found to be non-compliant with European safety standards and lacked proper labeling in French, according to official statements released earlier this week. The warning was jointly issued by France’s Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) and the High Council for Public Health (DGS). They confirmed that 30 different lines of condoms had been identified on online marketplaces without the required CE marking or appropriate French-language instructions. Among these, around 1,000 boxes, containing more than 40,000 individual condoms, had already been sold before the recall was initiated. Online platforms have agreed to remove these products from their listings, as stated in the official communication. The affected condom brands include those produced by Japanese company Okamoto Industries, such as Friday Bae and My Lubie, along with products from the brand Passage du Desir. Some of these items were available on major e-commerce sites like Amazon, while others could be found in pharmacies and other retail channels. Officials noted that some of the recalled products bore the CE mark but still failed to meet the necessary compliance requirements. One product was found to carry a risk of rupture, while another showed signs of perforation despite its certification. Health authorities have advised individuals who used these condoms to undergo testing for sexually transmitted infections and to take pregnancy tests if they experience a missed menstrual period. This recommendation stems from the potential health risks associated with using faulty contraception, which could increase the likelihood of unintended pregnancies or exposure to infections. The issue has sparked concern among public health officials, who emphasized the importance of ensuring that all medical devices meet strict regulatory standards. In addition to the recall efforts, authorities have instructed internet platforms to urgently remove related advertisements. So far, 36 ads have been taken down, and external sellers have been notified. Several platforms have announced additional checks to improve detection of similar products in the future. Consumers are being urged to verify that condoms bear the CE marking, contain clear instructions, have a valid expiration date, and come in undamaged packaging before making purchases. The French government has reiterated the need for vigilance in selecting safe and reliable contraceptive products, especially given the growing reliance on online shopping for such items. The recall follows a series of investigations launched in late May and early June, which led to the identification of nearly 260,000 affected units. These actions highlight ongoing challenges in monitoring the quality of consumer goods sold both domestically and internationally, particularly through digital marketplaces. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and work with manufacturers and retailers to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
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