Counterfeit COVID-19 and Influenza Test Kits Enter European Market, Manufacturer Alerts Authorities

Summary – A batch of fake combined COVID-19 and influenza test kits has been identified in Europe, prompting official warnings and market recalls.,

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The European health authorities have been alerted to the circulation of counterfeit combined COVID-19 and influenza test kits in the market. These fraudulent kits are not only misleading consumers but also pose significant health risks due to their unreliable results.

The manufacturer of the legitimate test kits issued an official statement warning the public and healthcare providers about the presence of these fake products. They have urged authorities across Europe to initiate recalls and increase surveillance to prevent the use of these kits.

Key actions being taken include:

• Identification and removal of fake test kits from the market.
• Public awareness campaigns to educate on how to recognize authentic test kits.
• Coordination between manufacturers, distributors, and regulatory bodies to enhance supply chain security.

The counterfeit kits can compromise diagnostic accuracy, leading to false negatives or positives and consequently affecting public health decisions. Consumers are advised to purchase test kits only from verified sources and report any suspicious products to healthcare authorities immediately.

This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety and reliability of medical diagnostic tools during the pandemic and flu season.

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