Urgent warning as faux vodka containing industrial solvent ‘could trigger loss of life’
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a stark warning about bottles of fake vodka, potentially laced with an industrial solvent that could lead to alcohol poisoning ‘and in severe cases death’. The watchdog has raised the alarm over 35cl bottles of counterfeit vodka labelled as ‘Glen’s Vodka’, which ‘may have a strange smell and taste differently to genuine vodka’.
Anyone who drinks it and feels unwell is being urged to seek immediate medical help.
The alert stated: “The FSA has been made aware of the production and distribution of counterfeit vodka labelled as Glen’s Vodka. The counterfeit vodka may have a strange smell and taste differently to genuine 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. Consumption of isopropyl alcohol can quickly lead to alcohol poisoning and in severe cases death.”
(Image: Handout)
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The FSA has sent out its ‘food alert for action’ to local authorities, instructing them to visit ‘relevant establishments’ to check for counterfeit products, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The regulator emphasised that authentic bottles of Glen’s vodka – produced in Scotland – have a laser etched lot-code applied to the bottle between the rear label and its base. They also have markings on the base which indicate the bottle size, height and ID number.
The FSA issued a stark warning, revealing: “Isopropanol (isopropyl, IPA) is a toxic alcohol not suitable for human consumption. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, intoxication, respiratory depression and coma. Cardiovascular collapse is also possible. Anyone with symptoms should seek medical attention.”
They also advised booze buyers: “If you have bought any Glen’s vodka that has either has no laser etched lot code applied to the bottle between the rear label and the base of the bottle as indicated in the images below. Please be aware IPA has a strong odour and it may be possible to detect contaminated products by smell alone. If the vodka has a strong smell, do not consume it. Instead store it in a safe place and report it to your Local Authority for further instruction and advice.”
