Health Canada is warning the public of counterfeit BTNX Rapid Response COVID-19 antigen rapid test kits (25-pack).
The health agency says that the kits were sold online by a distributor named Healthful Plus, without the required licence to import, distribute or sell medical devices in Canada.
The packaging very closely resembles the authentic kits with a few minor differences:
The top of the counterfeit box has the Health Advance name and phone number, along with text "Official Canadian Distributor" and unauthorized text "Health Canada Approved" on it.
The tops of the authentic boxes are sealed with a clear sticker with blue lettering that says "QC APPROVED".
The side of the counterfeit boxes have the Health Advance name and phone number on them.
The side of the authentic boxes have the BTNX Inc. name, address and symbol appear on them.
There haven't been any reports of harm done to anyone who purchased one of the kits, but since they haven't been quality controlled the safety and effectiveness is questionable.
It's suggested that any suspected counterfeit kits aren't used and are disposed of in the garbage.
According to Health Canada, the issue appears to be limited to one manufacturer, Health Advance Inc., and one distributor, Healthful Plus. Health Advance Inc. appears to no longer be manufacturing medical devices and Healthful Plus's website has been removed and the company appears to no longer be in operation.