Urgent warning over counterfeit anti-choking devices made in China and sold for ... trends now
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Dangerous counterfeit anti-choking devices are being sold in the UK for as little as £15.
Regulators today warned the gadgets – marketed as being life-savers – could prove deadly.
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) bosses, who police the safety of drugs and medical equipment in the UK, is urging the public not to buy fake or unbranded versions of the devices because they pose a 'significant risk'.
More than 10,000 rogue anti-choking devices are estimated to have been bought in the UK from marketplaces like Amazon and eBay.
The devices work by by using air pressure to suck out the item which is blocking the person's airways.
It's estimated more than 10,000 counterfeit anti-choking devices have been purchased by the public within the last two years based on listings found across online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay , and drop-shipping websites (image left shows a genuine product) Usually sold for about £60 by the manufacturer, counterfeit devices made in China are sold for as little as £15 on eBay (image right shows a counterfeit)
Only LifeVac and Dechoker are registered with the MHRA currently. Both have a valid UKCA or CE mark.
Health chiefs say they should only be used after basic life support protocols have been attempted and failed.
Fake ones can look almost identical.
None of the anti-choking devices registered with the MHRA are made in China. Some claim to be genuine, however.
Regulators say the devices could fail to work in a life-threatening situation and might worsen the situation by pushing obstructions further down the airway.
MHRA is urging people buying anti-choking devices online to be 'vigilant' and ensure these products are purchased from reputable sellers.
Buyers are also warned to be careful of websites using fake reviews to promote their product and should also check to see that the device manufacturer is registered with the MHRA via the public access database.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA chief safety officer, said: 'Patient safety is our top priority.
'Buying anti-choking devices that do not have a valid UKCA or CE mark increases the risk of
