Defective Condoms France: 300,000 Recalled, STI Test Warning

French health authorities and the country's consumer-fraud watchdog have issued a joint warning after discovering roughly 300,000 defective condoms sold in pharmacies, shops and online marketplaces. The France condom recall covers products that may fail to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies, prompting officials to urge affected users to seek testing immediately.

What Happened With the France Condom Recall?

On August 21, 2026, France's Directorate-General for Health (DGS) and the consumer-protection agency DGCCRF issued a joint alert. Their investigation found two separate problems: about 260,000 CE-marked condoms from two French brands that can burst or have microscopic holes, and roughly 40,000 uncertified condoms sold online by Asian vendors without CE marking or French-language instructions.

The affected CE-marked products — My Lubie and Friday Bae (Le Préservatif), both owned by Passage du Desir — were recalled in phases between late May and early August 2026. Laboratory tests revealed a bursting risk and perforations despite the CE label. Authorities also flagged about 30 non-compliant online product lines, including Okamoto 002/003 and Sagami Original 002.

Why Are These Condoms Unsafe?

Under European Union rules, condoms are classified as medical devices and must carry a CE mark to guarantee they meet essential safety requirements. The EU medical device safety standards exist to ensure that barrier contraceptives are strong enough to prevent both pregnancy and STIs.

Officials said the non-compliant products are likely to pose serious risks to the health and safety of users. Condoms with tiny holes or weak spots can tear during use, leaving users exposed to HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and other infections, as well as unintended pregnancy.

Recall Numbers and Affected Brands

• 260,000 recalled CE-marked condoms: My Lubie and Friday Bae, recalled late May and early August 2026.
• 40,000+ uncertified condoms sold online: about 30 product lines, mainly Okamoto 002/003 and Sagami Original 002, sold by Asian third-party vendors.
• 36 online listings removed: marketplaces including Amazon delisted non-compliant ads and agreed to notify buyers.

What Should Affected Users Do Now?

French authorities advise anyone who used the recalled or non-compliant condoms to get tested for STIs. A pregnancy test is recommended only if menstruation is delayed. Consumers should check for a CE mark, French-language instructions, expiry dates and intact packaging before buying.

We urge people who may have used these products to get tested, a DGCCRF spokesperson said, echoing official guidance. The agency has also asked online platforms to contact buyers directly.

Wider Context: Counterfeit Condoms in Europe

The French alert follows a broader European crackdown. In July 2026, the EU's anti-fraud office traced more than 200,000 counterfeit condoms to a common source in China, with seizures in Spain, Romania and Serbia. This comes as STIs surge across Europe, making safe sexual health prevention products more critical than ever.

FAQ

How many condoms were recalled in France?

About 300,000 in total: 260,000 CE-marked condoms from My Lubie and Friday Bae, plus more than 40,000 uncertified condoms sold online.

What brands are affected?

My Lubie, Friday Bae (Le Préservatif), Okamoto 002/003, and Sagami Original 002 are among the flagged products.

Should I get tested if I used these condoms?

Yes. French health authorities recommend STI testing, and a pregnancy test if your period is late.

How can I tell if a condom is safe?

Look for a CE mark, French instructions, an expiry date and undamaged packaging.