Counterfeit Vodka Warning
Published on:
25
August 2008
Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils joint Trading Standards Service have been advised by the Food Standards Agency that the distribution of counterfeit SPAR Imperial Vodka has occured. An investigation has been launched after 70cl bottles of the counterfeit vodka were found on sale in a non-SPAR store.
The counterfeit vodka contains potentially harmful levels of methanol. The levels recorded could have serious health effects, including blindness, if consumed in large quantities.
It should be noted that NO counterfeit bottles have been found in SPAR stores and there are NO concerns associated with authentic bottles of SPAR Imperial Vodka.
Thankfully no cases of ill health associated with this counterfeit vodka have currently been reported. Methanol is normally found in vodka at very low levels, but high levels should not be present because if drunk it could cause serious harm to health. An excessive intake of methanol can cause methanol poisoning and 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.
Trading Standards have been informed that the only legitimate route of purchase for SPAR Own Label 70cl is via a SPAR store and any SPAR Own Label vodka if offered for sale via any other means should be deemed suspect.
The counterfeit vodka can be identified by:
- 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 that looks like 102234 04/08/02.
- Legitimate bottles are notated by the following: 700ml 66mm followed by two symbols and then the numbers 8809
- There is no lot code present on the neck of the counterfeit bottle samples, where as lot codes are present on all legitimate stock.
The photographs show the counterfeit bottle (left) next to the authentic bottle (right).
Should you suspect that you have purchased counterfeit SPAR vodka (from a non-SPAR store) then contact trading standards officer Brian Wilson on 01786 432058.
Members of the public can contact the Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils joint Trading Standards Service on 0845 277 7000 or by visiting them at Municipal Buildings, 8-10 Corn Exchange Road, Stirling, FK8 2HU during normal office hours.