An urgent safety alert has been issued by the Food Standards Agency after the discovery of counterfeit vodka that may be laced with isopropyl alcohol, an industrial solvent. The counterfeit alcohol has been mislabelled as Glen’s Vodka, and it can be identified by a strange smell and taste that differs from genuine vodka. Isopropyl alcohol is harmful if ingested and can lead to alcohol poisoning and, in severe cases, death.
The FSA has urged Local Authorities to conduct checks in businesses in their areas to identify and remove any counterfeit products. The affected bottles are 35cl bottles labelled as Glen’s Vodka. Symptoms of isopropyl alcohol consumption include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, intoxication, respiratory depression, coma, and cardiovascular collapse. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
Consumers are advised to check for genuine Glen’s Vodka bottles with a laser-etched lot code between the rear label and base. Isopropyl alcohol has a strong odour, and if the vodka smells unusual, it should not be consumed. Instead, the product should be stored safely and reported to the Local Authority. Any information regarding counterfeit alcohol can be reported to the National Food Crime Unit hotline.
In cases where a food product should not be sold, the FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices or Product Recall Information Notices to inform consumers and authorities of potential risks. The ‘Food Alert for Action’ provides specific instructions to local authorities on consumer protection measures. It is crucial for consumers to be vigilant and report any suspicious products to ensure public safety.