COUNTERFEIT Albatross mothballs are now being sold in the marketplace, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers.
As all counterfeit items in general have not gone through required safety assessment and the registration and verification of FDA, it may pose potential health hazards to the consumers since their safety is not that guaranteed.
“The use of substandard and possibly adulterated household/urban pesticide products may result to adverse reactions including but not limited to skin irritations, itchiness, anaphylactic shock, respiratory disorders, endocrine complications, brain damage, and organ failure,” FDA said in a statement.
Consumers are advised that fake Albatross mothballs generally have smaller balls that come in more off-white color compared to the genuine Albatross. Consumers are also advised to check the label before purchasing. The label background of the fake Albatross come in translucent off-yellow while the genuine packaging comes in bright, solid yellow color. Consumers must also note of the ‘registered’ mark right after the Albatross brand. Labeling information of the genuine Albatross is also solidly printed and has no typographical errors.
At a quick glance, FDA said fake Albatross mothballs also come in slightly bigger packages because it has more space and is less intact.
On the other hand, Albatross colored mothballs are also fake as genuine Albatross mothballs come in opaque white color. Aside from the apparent multi-colored balls, its packaging will also show signs of being fake the same way with the white-colored balls.
The presence of counterfeit Albatross mothballs sold in public was confirmed by Market Authorization Holder Philusa Corporation which distributes genuine Albatross Mothballs in the country.