French authorities have ordered the withdrawal and return of 15 types of condoms from the European market, as defects have been discovered in the process of production that could cause rifts or tear them apart.

According to authorities, these problems may endanger protection against sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.

Effects are listed in ultra thin condoms produced by Malaysian company Richter Rubber Technology, the Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and the Control of Deceptions ( D GCCRF).

Some users have reported condom cuts and unwanted pregnancies linked to tested samples, said a ministerial order of French authorities, October 22nd and published in France’s Official Journal on October 30th.

lab tests have revealed problems related to changes in the thickness and quality of the coating used during production. According to authorities, products have not passed pressure tests, volume of explosion, and lack of holes.

Also, it has been found that the manufacturer has not had enough control over the production process, Telegrafi broadcast.

The affected products make up about 7 million condoms on the European Union market, although only part of them have been sold in France, according to the French Ministry of Economy.

The French government has suspended for a year the sale and import of all ultra thin condoms produced by this company through the process identified as problematic. The measure can be extended if necessary.

The decision comes after an investigation launched after the first wave of withdrawals from the market during the summer, when in late May and early August, about 260 thousand condoms were withdrawn. Since initial withdrawals, eight users have reported cases of cracking products.

The attraction is not limited to France, since affected products have been distributed to different European markets and sold under several different commercial names.

French authorities have published the list of affected products and series, ordering them to leave the selling points and to restore products that can still be found in consumers.

People who have used condoms involved in withdrawals have been advised to conduct tests for sexually transmitted infections in the medical laboratory and to test pregnancies if their period is delayed.

Consumers with other concerns are advised to contact a physician or a free center for sexual health control.

Meanwhile, DGCCRF has called on citizens to report any noted problems during use, including cracks or holes in condoms, through the state platform for reporting health incidents.

Authorities have announced they will monitor the implementation and effectiveness of attracting products from the market. /Telegraphy/