Investigations by enforcement officers, supported by intelligence from the FSA and information supplied by Glen’s Vodka, have revealed that the counterfeit vodka has been offered for sale in a number of small independent retail outlets in London, the Midlands and North Scotland.
How to identify the counterfeit bottles of Glen's Vodka
- The word 'bottled' is misspelt on the front label text reading ‘Produced and botteled in Great Britain'.
- The text below the statement 'ENJOY GLEN’S VODKA RESPONSIBLY' on the rear label should read 'DRINKAWARE.CO.UK' rather than 'D-RINK AWARE.CO.UK'.
If you or another member of the public ever identifies counterfeit alcohol, the safest thing to do is not to drink it and report it.
Local authorities taking actionRecently in Moray and Highland Council areas, information from Police Scotland, Trading Standards and Environmental Health teams led to the seizure of 236 bottles of counterfeit Glen's brand vodka.
Geoff Ogle, Director of Food Standards Agency in Scotland, said: 'The Food Standards Agency continues to work with enforcement agencies across the UK to stamp out the trade in counterfeit alcohol. A very cheap bottle of vodka may seem like a fantastic "bargain", but the safest thing to do is not buy it and if you have any concerns report it immediately to your local authority Trading Standards.'
No one has yet been identified as the distributor of the counterfeit vodka, therefore distribution information is not available. Local authorities have typically found products on sale in small independent retailers, corner shops, petrol stations etc. If further information on distribution becomes available, local authorities will be advised accordingly.
If you are concerned that you may have bought any counterfeit vodka, you should contact the FSA’s National Food Crime Unit by calling 020 7276 8787 or emailing foodcrime@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk