In today’s world, fake products are on the rise, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are not immune to this trend.
Consuming these illicit products can lead to severe kidney, liver, and nervous system complications. In some cases, drinking fake drinks has even resulted in fatalities.
Spotting counterfeit drinks can be difficult, but with a sharp eye and some know-how, you can safeguard yourself against potential health risks and financial loss.
Here are 10 tips to help you identify fake drinks:
Check the packaging
Pay close attention to the packaging for any inconsistencies. Look for misspellings, blurry logos, or poor-quality printing. Genuine products typically have high-quality packaging.
Examine the label
Inspect the label for any irregularities. Check the font, colour, and placement of the text. Compare the label to genuine products if possible.
Inspect the bottle or can for spelling errors
Look for imperfections in the bottle or can. Check for scratches, dents, or uneven seams. Genuine products usually have a more polished appearance. Most of the time, these counterfeit items have spelling errors, and their packaging is different or messy.
Assess the liquid
Examine the colour, clarity, and consistency of the liquid. Compare it to genuine products if you have a reference. Be wary of cloudy or discoloured liquids.
Test the taste
If you’re unsure, take a small sip. Pay attention to the flavour and any unusual aftertaste. Fake drinks often have a different taste or a harsh aftertaste.
Check the barcode
Use a barcode scanner app to verify the authenticity of the product. Compare the scanned barcode to the one on the product label.
Research the brand
Familiarise yourself with the brand and its packaging. Be aware of any common counterfeit techniques used for that particular brand.
Purchase from reputable sources
Buy drinks from trusted retailers or directly from the manufacturer. Avoid purchasing from unknown or suspicious sources.
Be cautious of unusually low prices
If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of extremely low prices, as they may indicate a counterfeit product.
Trust your instincts
If something feels off, don’t hesitate to question it. Trust your intuition and avoid purchasing products that raise red flags.
By following these tips, you can greatly reduce your chances of purchasing counterfeit drinks and protect yourself from potential health risks.
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