How to identify fake products using 4 Ps

By Chioma Obinagwam

The recent interception by counterfeiters by Nigeria’s food and Drug regulator, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) at Eziukwu market (Cemetery market) in Aba, Abia state, over the production of counterfeit beverages and consumables has prompted the regulator to advise the public to consider the 4Ps before buying any product.

Confiance News gathered from a statement issued by NAFDAC on Monday.

“While urging Nigerians to remain vigilant, the agency is also tasking consumers to always scrutinize branded drinks to distinguish them from counterfeits before consuming them. NAFDAC wishes to advise that the members of the public should shine their eyes during this yuletide season and think about the “4 Ps” before buying of alcohol,” it stated.

Confiance News learnt that the 4 Ps are Place, Price, Packaging and Product.

Place: Only buy NAFDAC registered drinks from reputable and licenced retailers, bars and supermarkets.

Price: If the product is being sold well below its normal price, or doesn’t seem to include normal taxes on liquors, then it is probably fake.

Packaging: Check for poor quality packaging, spelling mistakes and unusually shaped bottles. Look for the contact information and address of the manufacturer. If it is missing, the alcohol is fake. Inspect the seal on the bottle. If the seal is broken or damaged, then the contents might have been interfered with and are not safe to drink. Check for fake bar codes. If you have an app on your mobile that scans bar codes, scan it and see if it’s listed as the correct product.

Product: Beware of bad smells! If it smells like paint stripper or nail polish remover, then it probably is!

‘NAFDAC will continue to ensure that the level of counterfeit products nationwide is brought to the nearest minimum so that our people will continue to consume only healthy and safe products. We wish to reiterate that in line with our mandate to rid the country of fake and substandard products, we shall be on the trail of these evil counterfeiters, and bring them to book. The public is enjoined to report any suspicious activity of illegal producers of adulterated products or similar activities to the nearest NAFDAC office nationwide,” the regulator reiterated.