By:Betty Luke
The Sh1.1 million worth counterfeit personal care products seized during an enforcement operation in Eastleigh. PHOTO/Courtesy
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has seized suspected counterfeit personal care products worth approximately Sh1.1 million during an enforcement operation in Nairobi’s Eastleigh.
The raid targeted premises believed to be involved in the storage and distribution of fake branded cosmetics and personal care products, with officers recovering assorted products bearing the Nivea, Vaseline and Tresemmé brands.
The seizure has raised fresh concerns over the safety of counterfeit cosmetics, which are often applied directly to the skin.
The ACA warned that consumers who unknowingly buy counterfeit personal care products may have no reliable way of establishing their origin, authenticity or quality.
“Given that personal care and cosmetic products are applied directly to the body, the presence of counterfeits within this category poses a particular concern for public health and safety,” the authority said.
According to the ACA, counterfeit products may fail to meet the required safety standards, exposing unsuspecting consumers to potential health risks.
The recovered consignment has been seized and detained as investigations continue, with the authority saying further legal action will follow under the Anti-Counterfeit Act.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by the ACA to disrupt the networks involved in the storage, distribution and sale of counterfeit goods in Nairobi’s major commercial centres.
The authority urged traders dealing in cosmetics and personal care products to source their merchandise from legitimate and traceable suppliers.
Consumers have also encouraged to be vigilant when purchasing branded personal care products and take steps to verify their authenticity before making a purchase.
