A condom should offer protection, but what if it has a defect that makes it more fragile and prone to breaking? This is what emerged in France from an investigation into some condoms produced in Malaysia, which led to the recall of various batches of different brands. The report concerns millions of products distributed in the European Union and also deserves attention from those who purchase these devices online from Italy.
The problem would be linked to a manufacturing process used for some lines of ultra-thin condoms, which could cause variations in the thickness and quality of the latex film, making it less resistant. Following the checks, the French authorities ordered the withdrawal and recall of the products already marketed and the suspension of the sale in France and the importation of all references made with the defective production process. The provision will last one year, with the possibility of renewal if necessary.
According to what was reported by the DGCCRF, the French General Directorate for Competition, Consumption and the Repression of Fraud, 8 reports of breakages attributable to batches found to be non-compliant and dangerous have already been recorded. Overall, the products involved would be around 7 million in the European Union, although only a portion was sold in France.
The 8 recalled condom brands (check the lots)
The recall does not concern all the products of the companies involved without distinction, but specific references and certain batch numbers. It is therefore important to check the packaging carefully, especially if you buy condoms online.
The provision concerns 34 lots of 8 brands. Here is the complete list of products and related codes to check:
Adloran
Love
Einhorn
My Lubie
Primeros
R&D
R&D Consumer Goods
You Me
@DGCCRF
Because these condoms can be dangerous
The problem concerns the main function of the condom: to protect during sexual intercourse, reducing the risk of unwanted pregnancies and transmission of sexually transmitted infections.
According to what emerged from the DGCCRF investigation, the process used in the Malaysian plant would have caused variations in the thickness and quality of the latex film. In practice, the material may not have sufficiently uniform and resistant characteristics. This defect can cause the condom to break or perforate during intercourse, even when used correctly.
There can be two concrete consequences. The risk of sexually transmitted infections. If the condom breaks, the barrier that limits contact between mucous membranes and body fluids is lost. In the presence of an infected partner, this can favor the transmission of infections such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis.
And of course there is the risk of an unwanted pregnancy. If the condom tears during intercourse, sperm can enter the vagina and reach the eggs, with the possibility of fertilization occurring.
It is therefore not a purely aesthetic or perceived quality problem: a defect in the resistance of the latex can compromise the contraceptive and protective effectiveness of the product.
What to do if you have these condoms? The recommendation from the French authorities is clear: immediately stop using condoms belonging to the recalled batches, even if the packaging is still intact and has not expired.
Those who purchased them should contact the point of sale to find out the return and refund procedures. If the purchase was made online, you can contact the platform’s customer service.
Then there is an aspect not to be overlooked for those who have already used them. The French authorities recommend, in case of use of non-compliant products, to contact an analysis laboratory to carry out the appropriate tests for sexually transmitted infections. In case of late menstrual cycle, a pregnancy test is also recommended.
If a breakup has occurred during a recent relationship, it is important not to wait for a possible menstrual delay to seek advice: a doctor or a counseling center can also evaluate the possible need for emergency contraception or post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV, which must be started as soon as possible and in any case within 72 hours.
Were they also sold in Italy?
The French recall also deserves attention from Italian consumers, because some of the brands involved are also available online in our country. Among these there are, for example, My Lubie, Vitalis Premium and ON, with some references of the lines indicated in the alert present on e-commerce sites in our country.
The French authorities specify that the affected condoms were distributed both in physical stores and through online sales platforms. However, the marketing indicated in the provision concerns France and we do not, at the moment, have confirmation that the same lots have also been distributed in Italy.
It is therefore important to make a distinction: finding a brand or model on sale in our country does not necessarily mean that defective products have also arrived. The recall in fact concerns specific batches, not all packages of the brands involved. For this reason, especially if you buy condoms online, it is important to check the codes shown in the list.
