The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has voiced concern over the distribution of fake rapid test kits for the Covid-19 Antigen.
The anti-drug agency sounded the alarm in a NAFDAC public warning issued to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.
NAFDAC claims that they were informed of the fake BTNX Incorporated COVID-19 fast antigen test kits by Health Canada.
Health Canada was quoted by NAFDAC as saying that the fake test kits were distributed online by a company called Healthful Plus in 25-pack boxes without the appropriate authorization.
According to NAFDAC, the fake kits’ packaging uses the BTNX Incorporated logo and is designed to look like original BTNX Inc. products in terms of appearance and typeface.
It was noted that although the product’s identifier is “COV-19C25,” there are a number of significant differences, and “Health Advance Inc.” was listed as the manufacturer instead of “BTNX Inc.”
According to the agency, Health Advance was listed as the “Official Canadian Distributor of the counterfeit products” on the packaging. It was stated that the products claim to have been approved by government agencies including Health Canada.
The agency advised consumers, pharmacists, wholesalers, and distributors to make sure their items come from reputable and trustworthy sources.
In addition, it encouraged medical professionals to exert greater vigilance throughout the supply chain to prevent the importation, distribution, sale, or use of fake COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits.
It instructed healthcare professionals in possession of the product to stop giving the product to unsuspecting individuals and added that the products’ authenticity and physical condition should be thoroughly examined.
According to NAFDAC, anyone in possession of the fake product should stop selling or using it right now and turn it into the agency office that is the closest to them.
NAFDAC recommended the general public to report adverse effects by emailing pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, using the e-reporting platforms available at www.nafdac.gov.ng, or by downloading the Med-safety application.
Also, it asked consumers and healthcare professionals to contact NAFDAC at 0800-162-3322 or via email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng to report suspected counterfeit health items.