WASHINGTON, D.C.—More than 100,000 Chinese-made condoms given away in a citywide campaign to reduce HIV and AIDS have been returned because of complaints that their paper packaging can be easily damaged and could make the condoms ineffective.

A coalition of nonprofit groups distributing the condoms for the District of Columbia Health Department returned them after they heard complaints and noticed less demand for them.

Volunteers were told that the paper packets ripped in purses or burst open in pockets. Expiration dates on the packets were also illegible, which also raised questions about the condoms’ effectiveness.

Dr. Gregg Pane, the city’s health director, said Sept. 5 that the condoms are safe and effective and denied that the packaging was a problem. The department plans to survey the distribution partners to make sure they are storing and handling the packages properly, he said.

Young people involved with the group Metro TeenAIDS said they wondered why the wrappers weren’t plastic or foil, like those sold in stores.

“They doubted the authenticity of the condoms,” said Adam Tenner, the group’s executive director.

The health department has given out nearly 650,000 condoms since February through partnerships with 50 organizations. The free condoms are marked with the slogan “Coming Together to Stop HIV in D.C.”