Food Standards Scotland is issuing a public health warning after lab results from counterfeit vodka seized earlier this month confirmed the presence of the chemical isopropyl, which can be harmful if consumed.
The counterfeit vodka recovered was sold in 35cl bottles (commonly known as half bottles) and fraudulently labelled as Glen’s.
The public should be aware that, when opened, the counterfeit vodka may have a strange smell and taste differently to genuine vodka, and therefore should not be consumed.
When consumed, even small amounts of isopropyl can be dangerous. Symptoms of isopropyl alcohol poisoning include abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, confusion, slow breathing, and in severe cases, coma or death. Counterfeit products with isopropyl alcohol will smell and taste very different to normal alcohol.
The scale of distribution of counterfeit product is still unknown so if you believe you may have consumed counterfeit alcohol and/or are showing any symptoms then please contact your GP during working hours or, out of hours, the NHS 24 on 111.
If anyone believes they may have purchased such products, we would ask you to contact the FSS Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit – foodcrime@fss.scot – for further advice. Do not drink any of the product and please store in a safe place to allow FSS to collect and analyse.
Gordon Mitchell, Head of Food Crime Operations at FSS, commented: “Following our warning to consumers after the discovery of counterfeit products earlier this month, we are renewing our appeal for the public to be extra vigilant given the potential dangers which are associated with consumption of any product containing isopropyl.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure that any products which pose a danger to the public are taken off the shelves, but in the meantime we need to alert those who maybe have already bought counterfeit product to check and if there are any doubts then please do not consume and get in touch as soon as possible.”
Paul Bannister, Protective Services Manager at North Lanarkshire Council said: “This product could potentially cause serious damage to people if consumed and it’s crucial that people take on board the advice issued. Do not drink the liquid if an odd or unusual smell is detected on opening the bottle.
“There are no effective quality controls or safety protocols within the manufacture of counterfeit alcohol, which is made by serious organised crime groups purely for criminal gain, with complete disregard for the health and safety of consumers. Organised crime has a detrimental impact on communities and making a quick buck from the sale of counterfeit goods can potentially cause harm to people living here.”
If anyone has any information on the manufacture or sale of counterfeit alcohol then please contact the Scottish Food Crime Hotline (0800 028 7926) or online, in partnership with Crimestoppers. The hotline is free and anonymous.