France Recalls 7 Million Condoms Across Europe Over Breakage Risks

France has ordered a recall covering about 7 million condoms distributed across the European Union after investigators found manufacturing flaws.

The action covers 15 ultra-thin latex condom products made by Malaysia’s Richter Rubber Technology and sold under several brands.

Only part of the affected supply was sold in France, according to the French economy ministry.

French authorities have also imposed a one-year suspension on sales and imports of the manufacturer’s ultra-thin condoms produced using the defective process.

The restriction can be renewed.

Production Failures

The Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control, or DGCCRF, traced the defects to inconsistent thickness and quality in the latex film used to make the condoms.

Laboratory testing found failures in resistance to pressure, the volume condoms could withstand before bursting, and checks for perforations.

Authorities said the manufacturer had “a lack of control over the manufacturing process of its products.”

The findings raised concerns that affected condoms could tear, burst or contain holes, compromising their protection against infection and pregnancy.

“Some users have reported condom breakages and unwanted pregnancies linked to the sampled batches,” authorities said in a ministerial order dated October 22 and published in France’s Official Journal on October 30.

Earlier Recalls Widen

The decision follows recalls in late May and early August that covered about 260,000 condoms.

The DGCCRF continued investigating the production process after those withdrawals.

Eight users have reported breakages since the initial recalls. Some reports also cited unintended pregnancies, according to the authorities.

The latest measures require affected products to be removed from sale and recalled from consumers.

French authorities have published product and batch details, with the DGCCRF responsible for checking that the withdrawal and recall are carried out.

The action concerns specific products and a defective manufacturing process. It does not amount to a general restriction on condoms.

Advice to Consumers

Authorities have told consumers to check their packaging against the affected product and batch lists on France’s Rappel Conso website and stop using recalled condoms.

Consumers should return affected products to the retailer or follow the relevant brand’s recall instructions, according to the guidance provided.

French authorities advised people who had used affected condoms to seek screening for sexually transmitted infections at a medical laboratory and take a pregnancy test if their period is late.

Anyone with concerns was directed to a doctor or a free sexual health screening center.

The DGCCRF also asked users to report breakages, perforations, and other adverse incidents through the government’s health incident reporting platform.