'Counterfeit' condoms sold through Groupon Australia recalled

CANBERRA, Australia, April 23 (UPI) -- Condoms sold through Groupon Australia's website are being recalled over fears the "counterfeit" prophylactics contain flaws including holes.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said on its Product Safety Recalls website the recalled condoms had the branding of Durex's "Extra Safe," "Thin Feel" and "Performa" product lines, but they "may be counterfeit products with defects such as holes in the latex."

The recall affects condoms sold by Edgelounge Enterprises -- trading as Citrus Beat -- through Groupon Australia between March 12 and April 10.

"The condoms may not prevent pregnancy or protect users against sexually transmitted diseases, which can result in serious illness or death," the website said.

The Department of Health's Therapeutic Goods Administration put out an alert warning consumers and healthcare professionals to be aware of the recall. The alert said Groupon is contacting individual customers to advise them of the recall.

Groupon confirmed the counterfeit nature of the condoms to website Mashable.

"Customers are our utmost priority at Groupon and we take their health and safety very seriously. All customers who purchased the counterfeit products have been proactively contacted by Groupon notifying them of the recall and have been advised to discontinue use immediately, dispose or return the goods, and seek professional medical advice if they have concerns about their health. A full refund has been processed to all customers," a Groupon representative said.