Beware of fake COVID test kits in circulation, NAFDAC warns Nigerians
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has notified Nigerians of counterfeit BTNX Incorporated COVID-19 antigen rapid test kits in circulation.
In a statement, NAFDAC said it was notified of the counterfeit kits’ circulation by Health Canada.
According to NAN, the agency said the fake test kits were sold online in 25-pack boxes by a distributor called Healthful Plus which does not have the required licence.
The agency said although the packaging of the counterfeit kits resembles the authentic and has the identifier “COV-19C25”, it was labelled as manufactured by ‘Health Advance Inc.’ instead of ‘BTNX Inc’.
“Genuine COVID-19 Antigen test kit helps detect certain proteins in the virus. Rapid antigen tests are designed to tell in a few minutes whether someone is infected or not,” the statement reads.
“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 advised wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies and consumers to ensure that their products are obtained from authentic and reliable sources.
It also encouraged healthcare providers to increase vigilance within the supply chain and advised healthcare providers to prevent the administration of the product to unsuspecting patients.
NAFDAC said that anybody in possession of the counterfeit product should immediately discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest agency office.
Healthcare providers and consumers were also asked to report suspected counterfeit health products to NAFDAC at 0800-162-3322 or email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.