•    The lot number on the retail carton matches the lot number on the applicator package and/or the individual applicators.

•    The instruction booklet should be included. It provides the following information:

1.    First-aid statements including emergency U.S. telephone numbers;

2.    Precautionary statements for humans and pets;

3.    Directions for use; and

4.    Storage and disposal statements.

•    The pesticide is contained in a child-resistant applicator package.  In the genuine product packaged for the U.S., the directions for opening the applicator package include an illustration that actually looks like the applicator package. The directions include “To remove applicator, use scissors or lift and remove plastic tab to expose foil, then pull down.” Conversely, counterfeit packaged product contains no such instructions.

•    The legitimate applicator package looks like this; note the notch between the individual applicator packages, which generally are absent on counterfeit products.  Text on the package is in English only.

•    Frontline Applicator Packages.  Once you open the applicator package, each individual applicator has:

1.    A label that includes the registrant’s name “Merial”;

2.    The product name;

3.    The EPA registration number (see list above);

4.    The net contents in fluid ounces (fl. oz.) (not in metric measure, i.e., ml);

5.    Percentage (%) of active ingredient(s) (fipronil for Frontline Top Spot products; and

6.    Fipronil and (S)-methoprene for Frontline Plus products); and the statements “CAUTION”, “Keep out of reach of children”, and “See full label for additional directions”. Text is in English only.

  

  Counterfeit Imports Packaging

•    Know and Trust Your Seller. Establish a trusting relationship with the online seller before ordering any health-related products. Are they willing to answer your questions about the products? Do they have a money-back guarantee?

•     If You Have Doubts, Call the Manufacturer. If you have any doubts at all that the product you've received from an online retailer is not the real thing, call the manufacturer. Both Bayer and Merial have posted phone numbers in their press releases for that purpose.