–expresses concern about customers being duped

ANSA McAL Trading Ltd (AMTL) on Thursday expressed grave concern over the influx of counterfeit products on the local market, and the fact that their customers are being duped while sales have been affected by 25-30 per cent.

AMTL yesterday held a press conference at their Head Office at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara to address the issue of the influx of counterfeit products, a development that has been affecting the company of late.
Managing Director Elizabeth Harper, speaking to the media, said, “We feel not only that it has serious consequences for our company but for our customers who could be adversely affected by using these products.”
The Government Analyst Food and Drug Department recently alerted consumers that counterfeit body products (Head and Shoulders, Pantene Pro V, and Olay Total Effect 7 in 1) were being sold locally.
Ansa McCal Trading, the authorised distributor of Procter and Gamble products, lodged a complaint with the Department and an investigation was subsequently launched.
Harper noted that they have since sent a sample of the products to the manufacturer in which tests are being conducted to ascertain whether harmful chemicals and other ingredients are being used in those imitation products.
As the authorised distributor in Guyana for Procter and Gamble, Heineken and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Novartis, Alcon, and Grace Kennedy, among many others, and brands such as Olay, Head and Shoulders, Pringles, Monster energy drink, Ariel soap powder, Tropical Rhythms, Bumblee Bee, Panadol, Andrews, etc., Harper said, “we guarantee quality, freshness and the integrity of the products and brands we represent.”
The AMTL Managing Director pointed out that with the influx of these fake products on the market, it is difficult for customers to tell which is genuine from what is fake and the company is very concerned since the brand names are being damaged.
Harper said further that since the discovery of these imitation products on the market they have been working in tandem with the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department.
She disclosed that since the discovery of the fake products on the market their sales have been vastly affected by 25 to 30 percent, and so they are asking customers to examine the labels when making a purchase since the logos are distinct on their products.
Harper through a demonstration yesterday poured their product of Pantene 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner in a glass against the fake product and it was noted that their product is thicker and the fake is quite watery.
It is important to note that counterfeit products often remain with these “importers” longer than recommended and when the products become aged and expire, these products with questionable ingredients are sold to unsuspecting customers at a heavy price, she said.
Major public concerns
Harper told the press conference, yesterday, that counterfeit drugs raise major public concerns as their quality, safety and effectiveness are unknown. Furthermore, there is the long-term damage to the reputation of genuine products and trusted brands as a result of the counterfeit brands when people are not aware of the fake ones versus the genuine products.
She said, “What is disturbing is that there are those who manufacture and distribute counterfeit goods/drugs without any reservations; this shows that apart from ignoring the health risk they are defrauding customers, as well as preventing consumers from receiving a safe, effective product that was supposed to help them, whether it be pharmaceutical to improve their health or a shampoo to keep their hair clean. Additionally, some outlets are willing to take the risk of both buying and selling these products to consumers who trust them.”

(By Michel Outridge)