French authorities today suspended the import and sale of ultra-thin latex male condoms manufactured by Malaysian company Richter Rubber Technology due to manufacturing defects.
The decision is accompanied by the withdrawal from the market of "15 product codes" due to defects "that could cause condoms to crack or puncture," according to a statement from the Ministry of Economy.
These defective products "represent around 7 million condoms in the European Union, of which only a fraction are sold in France," authorities said.
They recommend that users of these "condoms that do not meet the criteria" visit a medical examination laboratory to be checked for sexually transmitted diseases and take a pregnancy test in case of a delay in menstruation. The suspension is valid for one year and will be renewed if necessary, the announcement said.
In August, French authorities - responsible for combating fraud and public health - began recalling around 260,000 condoms for the same reasons.
The investigation by the French General Authority for Competition, Consumer Affairs and the Fight against Fraud (DGCCRF) led to the decision on these products by the Malaysian company.
The investigation concluded that "the manufacturing process used for the ultra-thin condom range is likely to cause variations in the thickness and quality of the latex membrane, resulting in defects that endanger the health of users," according to the statement.
"Some users have reported condom breakage and unwanted pregnancies associated with the recalled series," the statement said. ©LAPSI.al
