One million face masks described as counterfeit in a confidential government report were distributed to NHS hospitals despite warnings about their authenticity, according to an internal document obtained by the BBC.
The report reveals that health officials dismissed concerns, prioritising the release of the masks over investigating 'red flags'. The FFP3 masks, branded Fang Tian and marked FT-045A, were intended for use by staff in intensive care units during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) had queried whether the model number was covered by the safety certificate, but officials applied pressure to clear the masks. An NHS supply chain official wrote: 'The certificate clearly states FT-045A as a model number... I do not understand why this now cannot be released.' The HSE later told the BBC no authorisation was given.
In November 2020, hospitals reported that the masks failed fit tests 60% of the time, with filters falling out and seams splitting. A Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) official dismissed this as an 'isolated incident', and distribution continued. An anonymous report that month claimed the Chinese manufacturer was unaware it had sold FFP3 masks to the NHS, but this warning was also dismissed.
It was only in February 2021, after a nurse contacted the manufacturer directly and was told the masks were 'fake goods', that officials took action. The manufacturer told the DHSC: 'The masks you got do not have certificate. I am sorry that you got the faked goods from bad guys.' The Department of Health said immediate action was taken and safeguards have since been strengthened.
