Party revellers warned of fake vodka dangers
A warning about the dangers of counterfeit alcohol is issued ahead of New Years Eve celebrations, after tests on counterfeit bottles revealed high levels of poisonous substances.
Party goers have been warned not to be tempted by cheap vodka that could be counterfeit and pose serious health risks. The warning follows council trading standard teams’ recent seizure of bottles of fake vodka that contained industrial solvents and methanol, that can cause blindness.
One shopkeeper in Surrey was fined £16,000 for selling bottles of fake Glen’s Vodka that were found to contain more 235 times more methanol than the legal limit allowed.
Fake vodka has also been seized by West Berkshire and Wokingham Trading Standards, who found chloroform in 700 one litre bottles of Drop Vodka, which is not a genuine brand of alcohol. Horsham District Council found fake vodka that was being marketed as Drop Vodka, Red Admiral, Arctic Ice and Spar Imperial that contained industrial solvent Propan-2-ol.
Councillor Paul Bettison, the Local Government Association’s regulation spokesman, referred to the recent tragedy in India where over 100 people died after drinking illegal alcohol. He said that the incident highlighted the “fatal truth” of what can happen after drinking “fake alcohol”.
Everyone wants a bargain, especially at this time of year, but surely the potential health risks far outweigh any financial savings…Frankly, if the offer seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Councillor Paul Bettison
“It is often made in uncontrolled conditions and those buying and drinking it will have no idea of its contents,” he said.
“Everyone wants a bargain, especially at this time of year, but surely the potential health risks far outweigh any financial savings…Frankly, if the offer seems too good to be true, then it probably is.”
Mr Bettison advised consumers to contact the local council or Consumer Direct if they suspect vodka is counterfeit.
Read more: Channel 4 News investigates the illegal alcohol trade
Fake alcohol a ‘growing problem’
Nottinghamshire County Council has also issued a health warning to residents over the sale of fake alcohol after a recent seizure of counterfeit vodka was found to contain potentially dangerous chemicals.
Trading standards officers found high levels of isopropanol, which is used in cleaning fluids, and methanol, in bottles of Drop Vodka and in bottles falsely labelled as Glen’s Vodka.
“We are concerned about the growing problem of fake alcohol on sale in Nottinghamshire, especially as in this case, when it presents a potential danger to the public,” said Councillor Mick Murphy, cabinet member for community safety.
Signs that a bottle of vodka might not contain legitimate alcohol include liquid smelling of nail varnish, labels with poor quality print or spelling mistakes, and bottles on the shelf not being filled to the same level.