A pharmacy in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Allen’s Health Mart, is alerting customers after discovering they sold counterfeit COVID-19 tests. The bogus tests, branded as Flowflex, were purchased by the pharmacy through a supplier, who unknowingly distributed fake products. The owner became aware of the issue when a customer, struggling to interpret a test result, sought help.
The customer reached out to Scott Winder, a friend, who contacted ACON Labs for assistance. ACON confirmed that the Flowflex test was counterfeit, prompting the pharmacy to take immediate action. The owner quickly identified that only five of the fake tests had been sold, and those customers were notified. The remaining counterfeit tests were pulled from the shelves.
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ACON Labs, the manufacturer of Flowflex tests, confirmed the presence of counterfeit tests in the supply chain. They also provided guidance on how to spot a fake test by examining the packaging. According to Mike Lynch from ACON, customers should look for discrepancies in the product’s appearance, particularly around the outline of the tube in the perforated oval. Counterfeit tests show a subtle difference in this area.
ACON is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to investigate the source of the counterfeit tests. They are also offering to replace any counterfeit tests for affected customers free of charge. Those who suspect they have purchased a fake test are encouraged to contact ACON Labs directly.
For more information, customers can visit the official ACON notice at flowflexcovid.com/public-notice-of-counterfeit-flowflex-covid-19-test-kits-4 and check for authorized distributors on flowflexcovid.com/authorized-us-distributors.
