Have you ever bought a flea product online and when you received it in The mail the package did not look like anything you usually use or was not quite the same packet? DO NOT use this product on your pet. Many companies are selling cheaper products online using photos of Advantage or Frontline a to deceive you. I found this great article online about how to tell a counterfeit product and what to do about it.
The EPA has issued a stop sale and use as well as a removal order to retailers and distributors of counterfeit flea control and tick control pesticides. This is in an effort to stop the distribution and sale of counterfeit Frontline Plus and other flea control and tick control pesticides. These products were unlawfully imported and designed to like legitimate Frontline plus.
Many sites, selling foreign or counterfeit, products use pictures of the U.S. products to deceive the consumer. It is a good idea to contact the online merchant and verify that the product is labeled for sale in the U.S. before purchasing. You can also ask if the products they are selling are U.S. EPA approved. Asking these questions before purchasing will help ensure that you get genuine products for your pet.
How can I tell if The Frontline Plus is counterfeit?
There are several indications that you may have received counterfeit Frontline Plus. It may be difficult to distinguish the counterfeit products from the EPA approved product. If your package fails any of the following, it is likely to be counterfeit.* The product may not be in the required child resistant packaging.
* The lot numbers of the individual applicators and the box do not match.
* A legitimate package should also have the following:
* After you open the package, each individual applicator has a label that includes the registrant's name "Merial;" the product name; percentage (%) of active ingredient(s) (fipronil for Frontline Top Spot products; and fipronil and (S)-methoprene for Frontline Plus products)
* The package should contain the instruction leaflets that are required by U. S. law providing emergency numbers, first aid statements, etc.
* The EPA registration number and the net contents in fluid ounces (fl. oz.) is on the applicator package (not in metric measure, i.e., ml)
* "To remove applicator, use scissors or lift and remove plastic tab to expose foil, then pull down." should be on the package. The writing should be in English only.
* U.S Products are E.P.A. approved and the E.P.A. DOES NOT give product expiration date.
Which products are affected?
The following are brand names and EPA registration numbers of legitimate products. The counterfeit products may use these same names and numbers.1. Frontline Top Spot for Cats (EPA Reg. No. 65331-2)
2. Frontline Top Spot for Dogs (EPA Reg. No. 65331-3)
3. Frontline Plus for Cats (EPA Reg. No. 65331-4)
4. Frontline Plus for Dogs (EPA Reg. No. 65331-5)
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How can I tell if the Advantage is counterfeit?
Inspecting the Tube (applicator) is the only way to identify counterfeit Advantage Flea Control. The box and package insert are identical, but by looking at the tube you can make sure the label has the following:1. The first give away of a counterfeit is the language. It must be in English, If it is a foreign language (most likely French or German), it is counterfeit.
2. "Warning" and “Keep out of reach of children” will be on all legitimate products as well as “Bayer” the manufacturer and the EPA registration number.
3. The label will list the active ingredient and the box will match the ingredient and strength (such as 9.1% imidacloprid on both label and box).
4. U.S Products are E.P.A. approved and the E.P.A. DOES NOT give product expiration dates.
Which products are affected?
The following are brand names and EPA registration numbers of legitimate products. The counterfeit products may use these same names and numbers.
1. Advantage 10 for Dogs (EPA Reg. No. 11556-117)
2. Advantage 20 for Dogs (EPA Reg. No. 11556-119)
3. Advantage 55 for Dogs (EPA Reg. No. 11556-120)
4. Advantage 100 for Dogs (EPA Reg. No. 11556-122)
5. Advantage 9 for Cats (EPA Reg. No. 11556-116)
6. Advantage 18 for Cats (EPA Reg. No. 11556-118)
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