The Food Standards Agency (FSA), UK’s food regulator, released a public warning on September 4 about counterfeit vodka being sold as Glen’s Vodka. The fake spirits are packaged in 35cl bottles and may have an unusual odor and flavour compared to authentic vodka.
“Products sampled were found to contain isopropyl alcohol, so they are unsafe. Isopropyl alcohol is an industrial solvent and is not intended for human consumption,” FSA said in the statement.
The agency further cautioned that drinking isopropyl alcohol can rapidly result in alcohol poisoning and, in extreme cases, can be fatal. “Consumption of isopropyl alcohol can quickly lead to alcohol poisoning and in severe cases death,” it said.
The presence of isopropyl alcohol was detected during testing of the product. This compound is also known as IPA, which can cause severe health issues such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in extreme cases, respiratory depression, coma, and cardiovascular collapse.
The FSA has issued an advisory for consumers and businesses to identify counterfeit products.
Authentic and Glen’s Vodka bottles have a laser-etched lot code between the rear label and the base of the bottle, which confirms its genuineness. If this code is missing, it could indicate a potentially counterfeit product.
Consumers are advised not to consume any vodka with a strong, unusual smell, as this could signal contamination. “Anyone with symptoms should seek medical attention”, the FSA alerted.
The FSA has also issued a food alert notice to local authorities, urging them to identify and inspect establishments for counterfeit products and to raise awareness about the issue among businesses.
They also encourage anyone with information about the manufacture or sale of counterfeit alcohol to contact the National Food Crime Unit hotline for further investigation.
“Products sampled were found to contain isopropyl alcohol, so they are unsafe. Isopropyl alcohol is an industrial solvent and is not intended for human consumption,” FSA said in the statement.
The agency further cautioned that drinking isopropyl alcohol can rapidly result in alcohol poisoning and, in extreme cases, can be fatal. “Consumption of isopropyl alcohol can quickly lead to alcohol poisoning and in severe cases death,” it said.
The presence of isopropyl alcohol was detected during testing of the product. This compound is also known as IPA, which can cause severe health issues such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in extreme cases, respiratory depression, coma, and cardiovascular collapse.
The FSA has issued an advisory for consumers and businesses to identify counterfeit products.
Authentic and Glen’s Vodka bottles have a laser-etched lot code between the rear label and the base of the bottle, which confirms its genuineness. If this code is missing, it could indicate a potentially counterfeit product.
Consumers are advised not to consume any vodka with a strong, unusual smell, as this could signal contamination. “Anyone with symptoms should seek medical attention”, the FSA alerted.
The FSA has also issued a food alert notice to local authorities, urging them to identify and inspect establishments for counterfeit products and to raise awareness about the issue among businesses.
They also encourage anyone with information about the manufacture or sale of counterfeit alcohol to contact the National Food Crime Unit hotline for further investigation.