Food safety watchdogs are investigating a popular vodka over fears it may be laced with a potentially deadly industrial solvent.
Authorities have placed a “do not drink” warning on the counterfeit drink, called Glen’s Vodka (35cl).
There are fears that the drink, which is sold in the UK, contains isopropyl alcohol, which is “not intended for human consumption”.
It is often used in cleaning products, aftershaves and hand sanitizers; drinking it can cause vomiting, stomach pain and problems breathing properly. In rarer cases, it can even be fatal.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA), which issued the alert, said the imitation liquor “may have an off-odor and taste different to genuine vodka”.
Authorities have placed a “do not drink” warning on the counterfeit alcoholic drink, labelled as Glen’s Vodka (35cl). The drink, which is sold in the UK, is feared to contain isopropyl alcohol, which is “not intended for human consumption”.
The best way to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products is to check the label and the bottom of the bottle.
“Each genuine bottle of Glen’s Vodka has a laser-etched batch code applied to the bottle between the rear label and the base of the bottle,” the FSA said.
‘They will also have markings (bottle size, fill height and bottle identification) on the base of the bottle.
‘These will not vary in position or detail.
‘The bottle mold number may vary. Do not use it as a unique identifier.
‘Isopropyl alcohol is an industrial solvent and is not intended for human consumption.’
Anyone experiencing unusual symptoms should seek medical attention, the watchdog also warned.
People may be able to tell if their vodka is contaminated just by the smell, given isopropyl alcohol has a ‘strong smell’.
In this case, the bottle should be stored in a safe place and the local authority notified for further instructions, the FSA advised.
The best way to distinguish between authentic and counterfeit products is to check the label and the base of the bottle. “All authentic Glen’s Vodka bottles have a laser-engraved batch code applied between the back label and the base of the bottle,” the FSA said.
‘They will also have markings (bottle size, fill height and bottle identification) on the base of the bottle. ‘These will not vary in position or detail.’
“If anyone has information about the manufacture or sale of counterfeit alcohol, please contact our free and confidential National Food Crime Unit hotline,” they added.
The warning also It comes just days after Food Standards Scotland (FSS) said fake Glen’s vodka had been found in convenience stores in Glasgow. and Lanarkshire.
A spokesman for Loch Lomond Group, which owns Glen’s Vodka, said: ‘Our priority is the health and safety of the public, which includes our thousands of loyal Glen’s customers.
‘We are working hard to support the excellent efforts of Food Standards Scotland and the other authorities involved to address the matter as a matter of urgency.
We urge any customers who suspect they may have a counterfeit product to contact their local council’s environmental health service or Food Standards Scotland’s Food Crime and Incident Unit as soon as possible.
