Pay close attention to the packaging while buying a product. Counterfeiters can produce a close copy, but they mostly cannot perfect it.
Opt for an authorised vendor and be sure to take the bill: Try to buy only from authorised retail shops, as it is expected that they keep genuine products.
Beware of fake websites: While using online delivery system do not fall prey to attractive prices and discounts.
Fake online shopping websites will sell you fake products or cheat you for your money.
Fake items usually have some ingredients listed which are not actually in the original supplements.
If something is extra in it or if something is missing, then the supplement is a fake.
You can also download ‘Smart Consumer App’ launched by the Consumer Ministry and FSSAI to help customers to get accurate information about packaged food items.
Packaging – the secret is in the details: Pay close attention to the packaging while buying a product.
Many packed food items have anti-counterfeiting solutions such as security holograms or special packaging features, SMS verification, QR code or a scratch code and guidance for product authentication.
For instance, ghee brands like Patanjali, Mother Dairy and Amul are using security hologram/packaging and QR code on their outer packaging as authentication measures. Few rice brands bag would have a holographic stripe. Check for these and participate in the authentication process by verifying the product and reporting a falsified one. Do not buy if these labels seem tampered. These features are generally missing from fake products.
These features are generally missing from fake products.
Beware of inconsistency in texture, smell, and colour of the product.
These are indicators if the product is fake or an original.