When you’re buying a probiotic to support your health, the last thing you want to end up with is a counterfeit product. But sadly, that's exactly what’s happening across Amazon and other online marketplaces, and Dr. Ohhira’s probiotics are among the latest to be affected.

It’s a worrying trend, and one that’s become all too common in the supplement world. Protein powders, multivitamins, and now probiotics are being faked and sold by third-party sellers, often using packaging that looks almost identical to the real thing. That’s why it helps to know how to spot a fake, and what you can do to protect yourself in future.

Why is this happening?

The issue stems from how Amazon manages its inventory. Through something called a commingled inventory system, products from multiple sellers are stored together in the same warehouse bins based only on their barcode, not the seller's reputation or reliability.

That means even if you think you're buying from a trusted source, you could receive a product supplied by a third-party seller you’ve never heard of. And there’s no easy way to trace its origin.

What are the risks?

When it comes to probiotics, ending up with a fake can be a big issue. Counterfeit versions may contain expired or inactive ingredients, incorrect strains, or no beneficial bacteria at all. At best, they won’t work. At worst, they could be harmful.

Here are just some of the risks to be wary of:

• No active probiotic strains – meaning the product offers no real benefit
• Expired or near-expired formulas – with reduced effectiveness or unstable ingredients
• Hidden fillers or contaminants – including substances not listed on the label (in some cases, even drugs like Viagra)
• Misleading or inaccurate labelling – so you can’t be sure what you’re really taking
• Poor storage conditions – Amazon warehouses aren’t temperature-controlled for probiotics, which can seriously affect product quality and viability

What to look out for:

If you’ve bought Dr. Ohhira’s online, here are some signs that the product you’ve received may not be the real deal:

• Caps: Are they childproof? Genuine bottles use consistent, safety-focused caps.
• Bottle design: Watch for extended bottlenecks or slightly off colouring. These subtle changes are often tell-tale signs.
• Label quality: The real thing has a shiny, high-quality label with clear, well-spaced fonts. Counterfeits might look stretched, poorly printed, or oddly capitalised.
• Peel test: Authentic labels are durable and secure. If it peels off easily, that’s a red flag.
• Logo details: Check for inconsistencies in the logo design or placement. Fakes often get this wrong.

Your best protection? Buy direct.

To avoid the stress and the guesswork, always buy directly from trusted sources - ideally the brand itself. When you shop with us, you can be confident you’re getting genuine Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics, properly stored and quality-controlled from start to finish.