This article is a translation of the original material on the Optimum Nutrition - PRODUCT AUTHENTICATION TIPS website. It deals with how to verify the authenticity of the company's products using the example of 100% Whey Gold Standard protein. This material applies only to products manufactured in the United States. The products produced at the Optimum Nutrition plant in Europe have significant differences. This applies to both the shape of the jar and the protective membrane, and many other differences.
How to verify the authenticity and distinguish a fake 100% Whey Gold Standard?
Golden hologram
On the protective polymer film of black color, located on top of the lid, there should be a gold-colored hologram on the side, with clear, well-drawn inscriptions. It should not be pasted on the protective film and should be part of the protective film. Pay attention to the fact that the paint on the hologram is not erased by friction, and the text itself does not cause tactile sensations of the outer layer of paint. The protective film can be either with or without inscriptions.
Vacuum barrier (membrane)
Under the lid is a cardboard vacuum barrier that helps prevent powder spillage during transport. This round disc does not stick to the mouth of the jar with glue, and when the lid is opened, it remains directly in it. the Membranes under the lid of cans containing capsules, tablets and soft gels are glued and usually they do not stick to the lid when opened.
Design and shape of the bottom of the can
In the photo above, you can see what the bottom of the can looks like for Whey Gold Standard proteins produced in the United States. In the American versions of cans, the spike is clearly visible, this indicates the technology of plastic thermoforming. All banks look the same - a similar spike is a sign of the original. Cans made in the UK have a circular indentation with no line running through the bottom. This is normal for European cans of Whey Gold Standard protein.
Date and batch code(batch number)
On the bottom or side of the jar, you will find an inkjet print with the date of production, expiration date and batch number. Powder products have a shelf life of 2 years, so the dates should differ by exactly 2 years, for example 01/18-01/20. On cans of capsules, tablets and soft-gel capsules, the date and batch code are printed on the side of the label in white or pale white (it is also worth considering the fact that on some packages the Batch code becomes less noticeable due to various external influences).
Measuring spoon color:
At the end of 2020, Optimum Nutrition changed the color of the measuring spoon inside the protein cans. In gold Standard protein, it was Golden in color, now the measuring spoon is white. Optimum Nutrition went to this step to make these spoons recyclable, as the spoons made of gold plastic were not suitable for this.
Unique code on the sticker
Optimum Nutrition has launched a program to verify authenticity (authenticity) products ON. All ON products (except bars and cakes) will be marked with special stickers, under the protective layer of which there is a unique code that allows you to check the originality of the products.
The first method:
Go to the official website of the company at the link.
Find the "PRODUCT AUTHENTICATION" section on the page and enter your code in the field.
Click the "check" button"
After a second of waiting, you will see the result of the checkThe second method:
Go to the site authentic-on.com.
Select the Europe region.
Erase the protective layer on the sticker.
Enter the information in the three lines provided.
Be sure to fill in all three lines, otherwise the check will not pass and the site will give an error!
Click VERIFY(to check). If authentication is successful, you will see SUCCESS on the screen.
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