Over 40,000 faulty condoms sold online and in pharmacies in France pose infection and pregnancy risks

French health and consumer authorities have issued a stark warning regarding the sale of tens of thousands of non-compliant condoms, potentially exposing users to significant health risks. Approximately 40,000 condoms, distributed across about a thousand packages, have been identified as failing to meet prescribed safety standards. These products were primarily sold through online platforms, often via Asian distributors, but some also appeared in pharmacies and other retail outlets across France.

Several brands, including Friday Bae, Okamoto, Sagami, and My Lubie, are implicated in this alert. Investigations revealed that many of these condoms lack the essential CE marking, which signifies conformity with European safety standards. Furthermore, they often fail to provide necessary information in French and, in some cases, have been found to have defects such as a risk of breakage or perforations, despite one product carrying a CE mark.

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French health and consumer authorities have warned about thirty types of condoms that do not comply with prescribed safety standards, and their use could increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy.

Authorities have initiated recalls for affected products, totaling around 260,000 items since late May and early August. Online platforms have been ordered to remove listings for these faulty condoms, with many already taken down. Consumers who have used these substandard products are strongly advised to undergo testing for sexually transmitted infections and, if experiencing menstrual delays, for pregnancy. The French government emphasizes the importance of verifying product compliance, including the CE mark, instructions, expiry date, and packaging integrity, before purchase to prevent potential health consequences.

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Consumers are advised to check if products have the CE marking, appropriate instructions, a valid expiration date, and undamaged packaging before buying condoms.