TRADING standards officers have seized hundreds of boxes of fake soap powder from stores around West Dunbartonshire.
The counterfeit packs of Bold Hawaii Fresh and Bold Aqua “” which could cause skin irritations “” were confiscated in an operation last week.
Dozens of shops were visited in the investigation, which was launched after West Dunbartonshire Council’s trading standards section learned that the dodgy powder was being sold in the area.
The investigation revealed that the fake powder was being sold to unsuspecting shopkeepers by cash and carry warehouses in Glasgow.
Protective services spokeswoman Councillor Connie O’Sullivan said: “The retailers we visited were genuinely shocked that they were in possession of counterfeits and co-operated with us fully in removing the boxes from their shelves.
“I would urge anyone who has inadvertently bought a fake product to contact trading standards.
“We would also advise people to return the powder to the retailer they purchased it from who should then offer them a full refund.
“The fake powders are easy to identify as there are two spelling mistakes on the packaging.
“The address of the manufacturer is misspelled as Waybridge when it is in fact Weybridge and a reference to how to get “˜your free scoop’ on genuine boxes states “˜you free scoop’ on the fakes.”
The fake boxes are always 1.1kg sized with a flash “new with Freshguard” slogan on the front.
Trading standards officers are carrying out tests on the counterfeit products as there are fears that, as well as not washing clothes effectively, it may cause a reaction amongst people with sensitive skin.
The trading standards section can be contacted on 01389 738552.
From icDumbartonshire