Counterfeit 5-hour Energy Operation Shut Down
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- A counterfeit ring targeting 5-hour Energy products spanning both coasts has been shut down. The move came as Living Essentials LLC, the distributor of 5-hour Energy shots, filed lawsuits in U.S. federal district courts in both California and New York.
Living Essentials indentified and shut down the counterfeiters' factory. It also executed court orders that have permitted it to seize large quantities of fake product from numerous locations, as well as the machinery used by the counterfeiters to package the fake product, according to the company.
No serious adverse events have been reported to date related to the identified counterfeit 5-hour Energy products.
The lot numbers related to the counterfeit ring are:
Regular Strength Berry
- Lot number 112611A4
- Lot number 105112W4
- Lot number W20712K6
Extra Strength Berry
- Lot number 115811P3
- Lot number W08912J4
- Lot number 119812P4
Regular Strength Orange
- Lot number 115111A2
- Lot number 105112R2
- Lot number 120012T2
The company noted that the counterfeiters used lot numbers that also appear on authentic 5-hour Energy shots, so both the fake bottles and some real bottles have these lot numbers. Living Essentials is working with the appropriate authorities, including law enforcement, to investigate and proceed against those involved in producing, distributing and selling the counterfeit products.
"We are extremely upset that a group of alleged criminals preyed upon and profited from the loyal, hard-working customers who have come to rely on us to provide them with a high-quality product and the world's leading energy shot," said Scott Henderson, president of 5-hour Energy.
Retailers and distributors that have counterfeit product can call 1-877-324-7987.