Following news in April that multiple supplements sold on Amazon are impersonating the NOW brand, as well as a second prominent supplement brand, another report of counterfeit products has been issued. As Karen Howard, CEO, Executive Director, Organic & Natural Health Association, noted in WholeFoods Magazine: “Of course, everyone expects enormous competition on the world’s largest online retail platform. However, counterfeits litter search results, even with the new C of A requirements. They also have a major issue when it comes to illegal claims. If you type in ‘supplements that treat’ (or cure), you’ll have lots of purchase options.”

The latest issue to come to light: Fungi Perfecti reported the discovery of multiple unauthorized accounts on Amazon.com selling counterfeit products using the brand name Host Defense Mushrooms. Fungi Perfecti conducts routine brand control efforts, and during this process the company began investigating several unauthorized sellers. Fungi Perfecti spotted irregularities in both product packaging and contents inside the capsules. Four Host Defense products are being imitated: MyCommunity (120 count); Stamets 7 (120 count); Lion’s Mane (120 count); and Turkey Tail (120 count).

Fungi Perfecti stressed that some of the counterfeit products tested positive for two known allergens: soy and gluten. Authentic Host Defense Mushrooms supplements are gluten-free and are not formulated with soy, the company said.

Indications of a counterfeit product

Fungi Perfecti noted that, at first glance the counterfeit products may look like authentic Host Defense supplements. On closer inspection, Fungi Perfecti identified multiple telltale differences between authentic products and the fakes:

• Virtually all counterfeit product arrives inside a small black plastic bag that fits one carton of product
• The counterfeit MyCommunity carton contains a misspelling of the word "Multi" on the primary display panel (it reads "Muiti")
• The bottom of the bottles of most counterfeit product contain an abnormally large "200 CC" imprint/marking that is not consistent with authentic Host Defense packaging

Fungi Perfecti reported that the company is "actively working to resolve this consumer safety threat and considers this matter of the highest priority." Enforcement actions are being taken, and the company is working within Amazon.com's brand control systems to restrict sales of counterfeit Host Defense products.

"Consumer safety is our top priority," said Paul Stamets, founder of Fungi Perfecti. "Our team will continue diligent efforts to find the source of the counterfeiting and stop fraudulent sales on the Amazon platform."

Edited for length. To read the article in its entirety, please visit wholefoodsmagazine.com.