NAFDAC alerts Nigerians On Existence Of Fake Covid-19 Test Kits
Written by Adewale Adeyemi on December 19, 2022
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has notified Nigerians about counterfeit gen Covid-19 Antigen rapid test kits in circulation. The notification is contained in a NAFDAC public alert released to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja. The counterfeit BTNX Incorporated COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits were communicated to NAFDAC by Health Canada.
NAFDAC quoted Health Canada as saying that the fake test kits were sold online in 25-pack boxes by a distributor called Healthful Plus who did not have the required license. It said that the device identifier has “COV-19C25”, but also has several key differences, adding that it was labeled as manufactured by “Health Advance Inc.” instead of BTNX Inc.
NAFDAC stated that on the packaging Health Advance was identified as the “Official Canadian Distributor of the counterfeit products. It pointed out that the products had a claim of endorsement by government authorities, such as Health Canada.
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 to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, or use of counterfeit COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits. NAFDAC said that anybody in possession of the counterfeit product should immediately discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest agency office.
