Alert over potentially lethal fake vodka labelled as Glen’s

Store owners have been warned to look out for potentially lethal counterfeit vodka labelled as Glen’s.

Food Standard Agency (FSA) stated on Wednesday (4) that it has been made aware of the production and distribution of counterfeit vodka labelled as Glen’s Vodka.

The counterfeit vodka may have a strange smell and taste differently to genuine vodka. Products sampled were found to contain isopropyl alcohol, so they are unsafe. Isopropyl alcohol is an industrial solvent and is not intended for human consumption. Consumption of isopropyl alcohol can quickly lead to alcohol poisoning and in severe cases death.

The FSA added that it has also issued a food alert for action notice to Local Authorities, requesting them to identify and visit relevant establishments in their area to check for counterfeit products and make businesses aware of the issue.

Isopropanol (isopropyl, IPA) is a toxic alcohol not suitable for human consumption. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, intoxication, respiratory depression and coma. Cardiovascular collapse is also possible. Anyone with symptoms should seek medical attention.

A spokesperson for the Loch Lomond Group, which owns Glen’s Vodka, subsequently 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.”