Press Releases
Haul of dangerous vodka seized in Southall (PR 1287)
Ealing Council’s trading standards officers have confiscated more than 100 bottles of counterfeit vodka, some of which has been linked to causing permanent blindness.
Trading standards officers seized bottles of counterfeit Imperial Vodka on Wednesday from Southall, as part of a borough wide operation tackling the sale of phony branded alcohol from shops.
Imperial Vodka is the brand name used exclusively by Spar supermarket. The fake Imperial Vodka, which is not being sold through Spar outlets, contains potentially harmful levels of methanol. The levels recorded could have serious health effects, including blindness, if consumed in large quantities.
Trading standards officers have also found counterfeit Glen’s Vodka in various quantities, which are also thought to contain higher levels of methanol than normally found in the authentic brand. Samples have now been sent off for testing.
Councillor Vlod Barchuk, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said: “It is very concerning that traders are putting people’s health at risk by selling fake alcoholic products. We will be continuing with the investigation in a bid to rid the borough of these dangerous products. I would urge anyone who has bought these products, or are worried about their authenticity, to contact the Council’s trading standards department via Consumer Direct immediately.”
A spokesperson for Spar said: “Spar UK Limited can confirm it has been made aware of several incidents involving bottles of counterfeit Spar brand Imperial Vodka (70cl) found in non- Spar stores.
“Tests conducted on the counterfeit vodka have shown it contains high levels of methanol, which could be damaging if sufficient quantities are drunk.
“Spar can confirm it has taken the appropriate steps to inform authorities at both the FSA and Trading Standards, and the counterfeit vodka has not affected legitimate supply routes to stores.”
For more information, or to report a purchase, contact Consumer
Direct on 08454 040506.