Alert over counterfeit vodka
22/08/08
Environmental health and trading standards officers will be on the look-out for counterfeit vodka on sale in Aberdeen, following an alert from the Food Standards Agency.
The issue came to light after the FSA was informed by Northumbria Police that they are investigating the distribution of counterfeit SPAR Imperial Vodka.
Anyone coming across any of the offending bottles should contact environmental health and trading standards officers on (01224) 523800.
Reports can also be emailed to the FSA’s dedicated food fraud mailbox at foodfraud@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk. All information received will be included on the national food fraud database to help local authorities investigate and prevent known or suspected cases.
The counterfeit vodka contains potentially harmful levels of methanol which could have serious health effects, including blindness, if consumed in large quantities.
No counterfeit bottles have been found in SPAR stores and there are no concerns associated with authentic bottles of SPAR Imperial Vodka.
No cases of ill health associated with this counterfeit vodka have currently been reported.
SPAR has told the FSA that the only legitimate route of purchase for SPAR Own Label 70cl is via a SPAR store and if it is offered for sale via any other means it should be deemed suspect.
The counterfeit SPAR Imperial Vodka has a hint of acetone smell, similar to nail varnish. Bottles of the counterfeit samples are identified by the code QI:1445c and a smudged inkjet code reading which looks like 102234 04/08/02.
Legitimate bottles are notated 700ml66mm, followed by two symbols and the numbers 8809.
There is no lot code present on the neck of the counterfeit bottle samples, whereas lot codes are present on all legitimate stock.
Photographs of a counterfeit vodka bottle and an authentic bottle can be found at
www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2008/aug/vodka
Methanol is normally found in vodka at very low levels. High levels could cause serious harm to health. The effects include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness and dizziness, blurred vision leading to blindness, and breathing difficulties.
Symptoms of methanol poisoning can take several hours to develop, so anyone who may have drunk this counterfeit product should seek immediate medical advice.
If you have any queries regarding this, or any other news story, please contact Aberdeen City Council on: 01224 522000.
