Groupon Durex Condoms Recall: Here’s Why This Was Groupon’s Worst Deal Ever

Defective condoms are never a good thing, but buying counterfeit rubbers with holes in them is the absolute worst. A recall of Durex-branded condoms sold by Groupon Australia is causing a bit of a panic for consumers who thought they were getting a great deal on packs of brand-name condoms.

According to the Australian Department of Health , mixed packs of “Extra Safe,” “Thin Feel” and “Performa” condoms sold on Groupon between March 12 and April 10 are counterfeit goods and may be defective. The daily deal site sold the condoms in packs of 60 for the equivalent of $21 USD.

“It has been identified that the condoms sold are counterfeit goods and may have defects such as holes in the latex. Defects may result in the condoms failing to prevent pregnancy and protect users against sexually transmitted infections.”

Consumers are advised not to use the defective condoms — of course, that advice isn’t helpful for anyone who has already used them.

Groupon sold a whole bunch of condoms that have holes in them. There’s going to be a lot of children born to thrifty parents in a few months

— Kelsey Gamble (@kelseygambles) April 21, 2015

@Salon If you’ve ever bought condoms from Groupon, I have other questions for you.

— Jacob Loves You (@Unfather) April 23, 2015

The Durex counterfeit condom recall only applies to the condoms sold on Groupon’s Australia site between March 12 and April 10. The company is currently selling a different brand of discounted condoms on their U.S. site , but there are no reports at this time that they are defective or counterfeit merchandise. A package of 24 Trojan Sensitivity Ultra-Thin Lubricated condoms sells for $11.99 on the Groupon U.S, with over 1,000 sold.

How did Groupon end up selling counterfeit merchandise? According to Mashable , an investigation is underway, so there is no definitive answer as to how this bargain turned into a potentially disastrous purchase.

“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.”