Fake soaps

Q. Sophia Alba writes: "I am a mother of three from the province of Surigao del Norte. My husband works as an engineer in Saudi Arabia, so I’m the one left taking care of everything at home. Being a full time mom, I make sure that my family gets the right protection. I don’t mind cutting down on our groceries (i.e. soaps, shampoos, toothpaste and the like) if there’s a budget constraint but I never compromise on their vitamins and school necessities.

Two weeks ago, I bought a discounted bath soap of my regular brand at P50 (for five regular-sized bars in a pack) which normally cost P15 each. However, when I opened the package, I noticed that the scent was different from the usual one we’ve been buying in the market. It smelled a little bit more like a detergent bar.

"When my daughter, Leilani, used it, she immediately had rashes on her body. Scared that it would get worse, I brought her to the doctor and learned that it was caused by a chemical reaction from the soap she used. I was really wondering why because that soap from a special offer pack is the same brand as our regular bath soap.

"Thinking that it might have been expired or something, I called the manufacturer. After a talk with the Consumer Service representative, I went to their office, bringing along with me the remaining soap bars. When checked, however, based on the packaging, they told me it was an imitation.

"Is it possible for them to detect right away that the said product was fake? As consumers, how do we know that a product, specifically bath soap, has passed the DTI standard?

A. Yes, Mrs. Alba, it is possible for the manufacturer to immediately detect if their product was imitated, based on the packaging. (If patents are exactly the same, then a laboratory test is needed).

All registered businesses, including manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers, are required by government to label their product and indicate fair packaging to enable the consumer to obtain accurate information as to the nature, quality, and quantity of the contents to facilitate his/her comparison of the value of such products.

As a consumer, you can also detect that the product is an imitation if the package is not in accordance with the requirements of the Consumer Act. According to Chapter IV, Article 77 of the Consumer Act, domestically sold–whether manufactured locally or imported–products should indicate the minimum labeling requirements such as the correct and registered trade/brand name, registered trade mark, correct business name, right address of the manufacturer/importer or repacker, and the net quantity of contents. If the consumer product is manufactured, refilled, or repacked under license from a principal, the label shall so state the fact.

Q. Tere Lopez of Loyola Subdivision, Marikina, writes about a positive consumer experience: "I bought two packs of motor oil in True Value (Rockwell). The display shelf had a sign that said 10% off. However, as I was paying at the cashier, I was told the motor oils were not included in that particular promo.

"I pointed out to the manager, Ruth Ramos, that the sign taped to the shelf did not say anything about excluding other products. Ms. Ramos immediately recognized their shortcoming and told the cashier to give me the 10% discount just the same.

"Thanks, Ms. Ramos! I wish all stores would be that easy to deal with. After all, mistakes can really happen but it really shouldn’t be at the expense of the customer."

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(You may send your consumer complaints and comments to the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection, DTI-Domestic Bldg., 361 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City. You may also call us at our consumer hotlines 896-5740 or 890-4938. Our e-mail address is www.e-reklamo.net.ph)