A company that tried to sell 500,000 N95 respirators to the state of Minnesota at prices far above retail has been told instead to surrender the masks because they are counterfeit.
Officials with the state Department of Administration, which stockpiles backup supplies for health care workers, announced Tuesday that Supply Link, Inc., of Delaware, Ohio, is complying with a cease-and-desist letter to immediately turn in the counterfeit masks.
Maplewood-based 3M Co., a leading manufacturer of N95s, has been working closely with state officials to evaluate the counterfeit respirators. Once received, they'll be given to 3M for destruction.
The packaging claims that the masks are 3M Model 1860 respirators.
"Part of sourcing scarce personal protective equipment in an intensively competitive environment is ensuring authenticity and effectiveness before delivery to health care facilities," Administration Commissioner Alice Roberts-Davis said in a statement Tuesday.
Matthew Kaspar, president of Supply Link, confirmed via e-mail that the masks it obtained for the state from another supplier turned out to be counterfeit.
"Supply Link is a victim of what appears to be an elaborate and professional counterfeit operation," Kaspar's e-mail said. "Due diligence prior to shipment of the masks to Minnesota was extensive and included the review and cooperation of the State."
Supply Link said it was cooperating fully with 3M and state officials, and has initiated its own investigation "to determine the source of the counterfeit goods."