Fake vodka warning

12:00pm Wednesday 27th August 2008

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Hertfordshire Trading Standards is urging people to be on the look out for fake vodka that can cause blindness.

Counterfeit 70cl bottles of SPAR Imperial Vodka have been found on the market in Northumbria and Islington.

They contain potentially harmful levels of methanol, which can cause blindness if consumed in large quantities.

Bottles of another potentially dangerous counterfeit vodka, purporting to be Glen's, were found in Hertfordshire back in February.

County Councillor Richard Smith, Executive Member for Community Safety, said: "Thankfully there have not been any bottles of the latest fake vodka found in the county, but we are not taking anything for granted after our experience earlier in the year.

"The only legitimate route of purchase for this vodka is via a SPAR store, so if anyone is offered this drink for sale via any other means they should get in contact with trading standards immediately."

No counterfeit bottles have been found in SPAR stores and there are no concerns associated with authentic bottles of SPAR Imperial Vodka.

No cases of ill health associated with this counterfeit vodka have currently been reported.

The counterfeit SPAR Imperial Vodka has a smell similar to nail varnish.

Bottles of the counterfeit samples are identified by the code QI:1445c and a smudged inkjet code reading that looks like 102234 04/08/02. They do not have a lot code on the neck.

Legitimate bottles are notated by the following: 700ml66mm followed by two symbols and then the numbers 8809.

If anyone has information about counterfeit vodka being sold, telephone Hertfordshire Trading Standards on 08454 040506.