The people are being warned about counterfeit bottles of Glen’s Vodka which have been found containing an industrial solvent that may cause death in severe cases.
The Food Standard Agency has asked for more research into the shops for counterfeit Glen’s Vodka bottles after a harmful substance was found even in small amounts.
The Food Standard Agency (FSA) stated that some 35 counterfeit bottles have been found containing a harmful chemical substance isopropyl alcohol. The substance is not intended for human consumption.
According to the FSA, the fake bottles of Vodka may have a strange smell and taste differently from a genuine bottle of Vodka.
The Food Standard Scotland (FSS) has warned that fake Glen’s Vodka bottles have been found in local convenience stores in Glasgow and Lanarkshire.
The FSA which covers England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, in a statement has stated that “it has been made aware of the production and distribution of counterfeit Vodka labeled as Glen’s Vodka”.
The authority also stated that the samples of products were found to contain isopropyl alcohol, so they are unsafe to consume.
Isopropyl alcohol is an industrial solvent and it is not intended for consumption by humans, FSA said.
According to the FSA, drinking the solvent may quickly lead to alcohol poisoning, and in severe cases, death may occur.
Isopropyl is a toxic alcohol and may lead to various issues including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, respiratory depression, intoxication, and coma. Cardiovascular collapse can also be possible.
FSA advised the consumers to check for a “laser itched lot code applied to the bottle between the rear level and the base of the bottle”. FSA said that isopropyl has a strong smell and can be detected contaminated products by their smell alone.
FSA also expressed that if a bottle has a strong smell then do not consume it. Rather, you can store the bottle in a safe place and report to your local authority for further instruction and advice.
After FSS released a warning in Scotland on Tuesday, one spokesperson of the Loch Lomond Group which owns Glen’s Vodka, stated that their priority is the health and safety of the people.
The spokesperson also added that the people refer to many thousands of loyal Glen’s consumers.
The spokesperson said that they are working hard to support the excellent work done by the FSS (Food Standards Scotland) and the other agencies involved to address the matter urgently.
