Fake Glen's vodka with potentially lethal chemical being sold in Scotland

A warning has been issued to the public after fake Glen’s vodka containing a potentially lethal chemical was found to be being sold to customers in Scotland.

Investigations are ongoing into the size and scale of distribution of the counterfeit product following the discovery at a shop in Coatbridge earlier this month.

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and North Lanarkshire Council seized 40 counterfeit bottles, fraudulently labelled as Glen’s, after a customer reported a strong smell of nail varnish remover from the drink.

Samples taken from the 35cl bottles revealed the presence of isopropyl, a dangerous chemical which can cause symptoms ranging from abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness, to slow breathing, coma and death.

Customers have been warned to be extra vigilant when buying alcohol and are being asked to look out for bottles with a “very different” smell and taste than normal.

Gordon Mitchell, head of food crime operations at FSS, commented: “Following our warning to consumers after the discovery of counterfeit products earlier this month, we are renewing our appeal for the public to be extra vigilant given the potential dangers which are associated with consumption of any product containing isopropyl.

“We are doing everything possible to ensure that any products which pose a danger to the public are taken off the shelves, but in the meantime we need to alert those who maybe have already bought counterfeit product to check and if there are any doubts then please do not consume and get in touch as soon as possible.”

Anyone who believes they may have consumed counterfeit alcohol and/or are showing any symptoms is asked to contact NHS 24 on 111 immediately.

Anyone with information on the manufacture or sale of counterfeit alcohol is asked to contact the Scottish Food Crime Hotline (0800 028 7926) or online, in partnership with Crimestoppers.