How to spot if you picked up a counterfeit COVID-19 rapid test
Health Canada is warning the public about counterfeit rapid antigen test kits after several were sold in Ontario.
In an advisory on Friday, the federal health agency said the counterfeit products resembled BTNX Inc.'s 25-pack Rapid Response COVID-19 antigen rapid test kits in colour and lettering.
Health Canada said the fake kits were sold online by Healthful Plus, which did not have the required licence to import, distribute or sell medical devices in the country.
The fake test kits also had BTNX's device identifier' COV-19C25.'
Health Canada said the counterfeit kits have a label in front that reads "Health Advance Inc." instead of BTNX. They also have a label with Health Advance as the "Official Canadian Distributor" and have a text that reads "Health Canada Approved."
"The safety and effectiveness of these counterfeit kits have not been assessed by Health Canada," the advisory stated, adding that the agency has contacted BTNX and confirmed that these kits are fake.
"Based on information to date, 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."
Health Canada said the person who purchased the products had confirmed that the kits were for personal use and that all 435 boxes of the 25-pack test kits had been sent to the agency for compliance follow-up.
"Heath Canada is informing the provinces and territories about this issue, as well as Medical Device Establishment License holders, advising them to not purchase from the two companies or further distribute," the advisory stated.
Health Canada noted that there is no evidence to suggest that counterfeit kits have been distributed elsewhere in the country.
Those who purchased test kits from Health Advance Inc. or Healthful Plus are asked not to use them, dispose of them, and report them to the agency.
They can also report it to BTNX Inc. by calling toll-free at 1-888-339-9964 or emailing covid19@btnx.com with the subject line "Suspected Counterfeit BTNX Tests."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Weather alerts issued for 7 provinces, 1 territory
Warnings of up to 60 millimetres of rain and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces and one territory ahead of the Easter weekend.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
He didn't trust police but sought their help anyway. Two days later, he was dead
Jameek Lowery was among more than 330 Black people who died after police stopped them with tactics that aren’t supposed to be deadly, like physical restraint and use of stun guns, The Associated Press found.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Why Kim Kardashian is being sued for 'knockoff' furniture
The estate of minimalist contemporary artist Donald Judd filed a lawsuit against Kardashian this week, claiming the fashion and beauty mogul promoted 'cheap knockoffs' of his furniture designs.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
Louis Gossett Jr., 1st Black man to win supporting actor Oscar, dies at 87
Louis Gossett Jr., the first Black man to win a supporting actor Oscar and an Emmy winner for his role in the seminal TV miniseries 'Roots,' has died. He was 87.