20K Fake Toothbrush Heads Going To Delran Seized: Authorities

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — It seems a market exists for everything, even fake toothbrush heads. U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Philadelphia recently seized 20,400 counterfeit Oral-B toothbrush heads that were destined to end up in Delran, authorities announced.

According to customs, officers examined an air cargo shipment on Oct. 1 and detained it due to suspected counterfeit items were in the shipment due to poor packaging and questionable quality.

Inside the shipment were 1,200 10-pack and 2,800 three-pack toothbrush heads marked with the Oral-B brand name, according to officials. Customs said they then determined the items were counterfeit and took the shipment on Nov. 7.

The products, if authentic, would have a manufacturer suggested retail price of $95,600, officials said. Counterfeit toothbrush heads pose a serious health threat to consumers, as do all counterfeit healthcare products, customs said.

Counterfeit brush heads are manufactured in unsanitary facilities with substandard materials that may sicken users or cause bleeding to a user's gums or mouth, and structural defects may cause the brush head to detach and potentially choke users, according to officials.

Story By Max Bennett, Patch Staff