In September 2024 the Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued an alert after they became aware of the production and distribution of counterfeit vodka which was being labelled as Glen’s Vodka. They worked closely with the brand owner for Glen’s vodka to try and mitigate the risk to consumers and issued information to help distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products.
The counterfeit vodka may have a strange smell and taste differently to genuine vodka. Products sampled were found to contain isopropyl alcohol which is an industrial solvent and is not intended for human consumption. Consumption of isopropyl alcohol can quickly lead to alcohol poisoning, and in severe cases death. Anyone with symptoms should seek medical attention call NHS 111 in the first instance or 999 in an emergency.
Trading Standards Officers, on a routine food standards inspection of a store, seized vodka which they believed to be counterfeit Glens Vodka based on the information issued by the FSA.
The vodka was sent away for testing and we have now received confirmation from our public analyst that the counterfeit vodka seized does contain Isopropyl (Propane). This is the first case of this product being found in the South East of England. The Food Standards Food Crime Team have been advised and our officers will work with them to trace sources and undertake any enforcement action.
Every genuine bottle of Glen’s vodka has a laser etched lotcode applied to the bottle between the rear label and the base of the bottle. If you see any Glen’s vodka that has no laser etched lot code applied to the bottle between the rear label and the base of the bottle as indicated in photograph below do not buy it. Vodka contaminated by isopropyl alcohol has a strong odour so if the vodka smells different do not drink it.
Councillor Iskandar Jefferies the Chairman of the Joint Public Protection Committee said “Following the seizure of the counterfeit vodka, we need the public to be aware of any factors which may help them distinguish counterfeit products from genuine Glen’s. As well as a distinct smell, the counterfeit products are bottled differently to genuine Glen’s and the images provided will help consumers to tell the difference.
Please get in touch with our Trading Standards Officers if you have any information relating to the counterfeit vodka. We would also remind retailers that they should only be purchasing products from reputable suppliers.”
If anyone believes they may have purchased such products they should store it in a safe place and report it to Trading Standards on tsadvice@westberks.gov.uk or telephone 01635 519930 for further instruction and advice.
If anyone has any information on the manufacture or sale of counterfeit alcohol, then please contact the freephone confidential National Food Crime Unit hotline: 0800 028 1180.
Guide to help distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products
Every genuine bottle of Glen’s vodka has a laser etched lotcode applied to the bottle between the rear label and the base of the bottle.
They will also have the following markings on the base of the bottle - the highlighted three identifiers will not vary (position or detail):
