March 29, 2024

Amarachi Okeh

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has issued an alert to warn Nigerians and healthcare providers to be on the lookout for counterfeit COVID-19 antigen test kits that are currently in circulation in Canada.

According to the alert, the counterfeit test kits were sold online in 25-pack boxes by a distributor called Healthful Plus without the required licence.

The NAFDAC alert reads, “The packaging of the counterfeit kits resembles the authentic (licensed) BTNX Inc. products in colour and typeface and uses the BTNX Inc. device identifier “COV-19C25, but also has several key differences. 

“The counterfeit kits are labelled as manufactured by ‘Health Advance Inc.’ instead of BTNX Inc., lists Health Advance as an ‘Official Canadian Distributor’ and includes the text ‘Health Canada Approved’.

“Claims of endorsement by government authorities, such as Health Canada, are not permitted.

“Genuine COVID-19 Antigen test helps detect certain proteins in the virus. Rapid antigen tests are designed to tell in a few minutes whether someone is infectious or not. 

“It is recommended as a high-performing test for individuals with symptoms, high-risk populations, and healthcare or casual workers.

“Counterfeit health products are imitations of authentic products. The safety and effectiveness of these counterfeit test kits have not been assessed.

“The genuine manufacturer BTNX Inc. has confirmed that the devices were counterfeit.”

The agency thereby advises wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies, and consumers to ensure that products are obtained from authentic and reliable sources.

“Increased vigilance is hereby encouraged within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, or use of the counterfeit COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits and to prevent the administration of the product to unsuspecting patients by healthcare providers. 

“The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked,” NAFDAC said.

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