The Food Standards Agency has issued a warning about counterfeit vodka which contains a potentially deadly chemical.
The fake vodka, labelled as Glen’s Vodka, contains isopropyl alcohol, an industrial solvent which is not made for human consumption.
Drinking isopropyl can quickly lead to alcohol poisoning or even kill in severe cases.
The counterfeit vodka may have a strong smell and taste different to the genuine spirit, the FSA warns, after the agency was made aware of its production and distribution.
The warning affects 35cl bottle sizes and asks local authorities to visit businesses in their area to look for the counterfeit products.
A FSA statement said: ‘If you have bought any Glen’s vodka that has either has no laser etched lot code applied to the bottle between the rear label and the base of the bottle as indicated in the images below.
‘Please be aware isopropyl 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.
‘If anyone has any information on the manufacture or sale of counterfeit alcohol, then please contact our freephone confidential National Food Crime Unit hotline.’
Isopropyl is toxic and not suitable for human consumption.
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, intoxication, respiratory depression and coma, as well as heart attacks or other cardiovascular collapse.
Anyone with symptoms is advised to seek medical attention.
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