Urgent warning over deadly fake vodka laced with lethal industrial solvent being sold in the UK
VODKA laced with potentially deadly industrial solvent is being sold in the UK, officials warn.
The counterfeit booze, labelled as Glen’s Vodka (35cl), contains isopropyl alcohol, which is “not intended for human consumption”.
“It is unsafe,” the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said.
“Consumption of isopropyl alcohol can quickly lead to alcohol poisoning and in severe cases, death.”
The imitation spirit “may have a strange smell and taste differently to genuine vodka”, the watchdog added.
The best way to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products is to check the label and the base of the bottle.
“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,” the FSA said.
“They will also have markings (bottle size, fill height, and bottle ID) on the base of the bottle.
“These will not vary in position or detail.
“The bottle mould number may vary. Do not use this as a unique identifier.
“Isopropyl alcohol is an industrial solvent and is not intended for human consumption.
“Please be aware it 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.”
Anyone with information on where counterfeit alcohol is being manufactured or sold should contact the National Food Crime Unit hotline on 0800 028 1180.
The FSA warning, which covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland, comes days after Food Standards Scotland (FSS) said sham Glen’s had been found in convenience stores in Glasgow and Lanarkshire.
Isopropanol is a toxic alcohol not suitable for human consumption. Ingestion of any amount can lead to toxicity and larger amounts can be fatal
Loch Lomond Group
A spokesperson for the Loch Lomond Group, which owns Glen’s Vodka, said: ” Our priority is the health and safety of the public which includes our many thousands of loyal Glen’s customers.
“We are working hard to support the excellent efforts of Food Standards Scotland and the other authorities involved to address the matter urgently.
“We would urge any customers who suspect they may have a counterfeit product to contact their local council’s environmental health service or the Food Standards Scotland Food Crime and Incidents Unit as quickly as possible.
“Isopropanol is a toxic alcohol not suitable for human consumption.
“Ingestion of any amount can lead to toxicity and larger amounts can be fatal.
“Ingested IPA will be converted to acetone and so onset of symptoms may be immediate or delayed, for up to 30 hours post ingestion.”
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, intoxication, respiratory depression and coma. Cardiovascular collapse is also possible.
Anyone with symptoms should seek medical attention, the FSA said.
The dangers of isopropyl alcohol
ISOPROPYL alcohol is an industrial solvent used in products like hand gels and disinfectants.
“It can be toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin,” Poison Control says.
In general, ingesting a small amount leads to few symptoms.
But consuming it in large quantities can make people drunk, triggering symptoms like sedation, slurred speech, unsteadiness, nausea and vomiting.
Some people may also experience a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, headaches, dizziness, muscle weakness, a rapid heart rate and other heart problems.
Isopropyl alcohol is extremely irritating to the digestive tract, where it can cause sickness, diarrhoea, pain, and bleeding in the stomach and intestines.
This can lead to dehydration, low blood pressure, shock, seizures and coma, experts warn.
In severe cases, it can be fatal.
Anyone with symptoms should seek medical attention.
Source: Food Standards Agency, Public Health England and Poison Control