FSS issues warning after potentially harmful counterfeit vodka discovered

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) is issuing a public health warning after counterfeit vodka was seized this week which confirmed the presence of the chemical isopropyl, which can be harmful if consumed.

The counterfeit vodka recovered was sold in 35cl bottles (commonly known as half bottles) and fraudulently labelled as Glen’s.

When opened, the counterfeit vodka may have a strange smell and taste differently to genuine vodka, and therefore should not be drunk.

When consumed, even small amounts of isopropyl can be dangerous. Symptoms of isopropyl alcohol poisoning include abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, confusion, slow breathing, and in severe cases, coma or death. Counterfeit products with isopropyl alcohol will smell and taste very different to normal alcohol.

Every genuine bottle of Glen’s vodka has a laser etched lotcode applied to the bottle between the rear label and the base of the bottle.

They will also have the following markings on the base of the bottle - the highlighted three identifiers will not vary (position or detail).

The scale of distribution of counterfeit product is still unknown so if you believe you may have consumed alcohol that has a strong smell and a very different taste to normal AND are showing any of the symptoms described, please contact the NHS 24 on 111 immediately. If you have severe symptoms, call 999.

If you believe you may have purchased this counterfeit vodka by detecting a strong smell or taste that is different from normal, do not drink it or dispose of it, but please contact FSS Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit – foodcrime@fss.scot – for further advice. 

Alternatively please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 028 7926 or online, if you have any information on this counterfeit alcohol.