Fake washing powder "could cause pain"
Published: 12:44, 14 August 2013
Tonnes of counterfeit washing powder which could cause a painful reaction to anyone with sensitive skin has been found at Dover docks.
Packaged as large boxes of Ariel, the load originated in eastern Europe and was of a much lower quality.
It was seized by Kent Trading Standards officers working with the UK Border Agency.
Trading Standards manager Mark Rolfe said scientists from Procter and Gamble – the company which produces Ariel – took samples away for analysis and confirmed their suspicions.
“They told us the powder could be used for washing, but it was of a much inferior quality and, if sold as Ariel, would have brought in a tidy profit. It contained chlorides which could produce a bad reaction in some users and which genuine Ariel does not contain.”
The counterfeit powder was destined for a distribution centre in the south-east. The haulage company and the lorry driver are believed to be oblivious to the scam.
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Graham Tutthill