Japan's Okamoto says recalled condoms were not intended for French market

PARIS, Aug 26 (Reuters) - Japanese consumer goods maker Okamoto Industries said on Wednesday its condoms that were recalled in France were not intended to be sold on the French market and thus lacked proper labelling.

• The two brands subject to the recall were designed for the Japanese market only and nevertheless entered the French market through unofficial channels, a company spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

• As these products did not bear the CE mark required in Europe, the French regulatory authorities determined that they did not comply with the EU regulation.

• All Okamoto condom products sold in France through authorized channels have been formally approved for sale in the local market and comply with the applicable requirements concerning labelling, the company spokesperson added.

• French anti-fraud and health agencies had issued a warning on Friday against tens of thousands of potentially unsafe condoms and recalled several brands (including two made by Okamoto), some of which lacked the EU conformity seal or labelling in French, sold online or in shops and pharmacies.

(Reporting by Inti Landauro;Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)