Counterfeit Glen’s vodka warning after deadly chemical found
The Food Standards Scotland has issued an urgent warning after counterfeit Glen’s vodka containing isopropyl alcohol was seized in Scotland this week. Consumers are being urged not to drink the product, which may smell strange and taste different from genuine vodka.
Tests on the seized bottles revealed the presence of isopropyl alcohol, a chemical used in industrial cleaning products and known to be toxic when consumed. Even small amounts can lead to nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion, slow breathing and, in extreme cases, coma or death.
The fake vodka was being sold in 35cl half bottles, fraudulently labelled as Glen’s. Food Standards Scotland said the public should be alert to any unusual smell or taste and check bottles for authenticity markings before consumption.
How to spot counterfeit Glen’s vodka
Every genuine bottle of Glen’s vodka carries a laser-etched lot code between the rear label and the base. Authentic 35cl bottles also have fixed identifiers on the base of the bottle showing its size (350ml), fill height (51mm) and bottle ID (977). These details do not vary.
A spokesperson for the Loch Lomond Group, owner of Glen’s Vodka, said: “Our priority is the health and safety of the public, which includes our many thousands of loyal Glen’s customers. We are working hard to support the excellent efforts of Food Standards Scotland and the other authorities involved to address the matter urgently. We would urge any customers who suspect they may have a counterfeit product to contact their local council’s environmental health service or the Food Standards Scotland Food Crime and Incidents Unit as quickly as possible.”
Partner Content
Previous counterfeit seizures
This week’s warning follows similar incidents last year when counterfeit vodka was discovered in convenience stores in Coatbridge and Glasgow. In those cases, lab analysis also confirmed the presence of isopropyl alcohol.
FSS issued a food alert notice to all local authorities in Scotland in September 2024, requesting checks on retailers and urging consumers to be vigilant. At the time, Gordon Mitchell, head of crime operations at FSS, said: “Following further seizures of counterfeit vodka over the weekend, 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.”
Illicit vodka manufacturing history
This is not the first time Glen’s branding has been targeted by criminal gangs. In 2011, HMRC discovered an illicit bottling operation at Moscow Farm in Leicestershire where criminals used bleach and methylated spirits to make counterfeit vodka on an industrial scale. Investigators estimated 165,000 bottles had been produced before the raid, with losses to the Exchequer of at least £1.5m.
The ringleader, Kevin Eddishaw, was jailed for seven years along with his accomplice, John Humphreys, who also received a seven-year sentence. HMRC at the time said the gang was “fully aware the counterfeit vodka they manufactured contained highly dangerous chemicals, making it unfit for human consumption, but were interested only in making a profit at the expense of British taxpayers”.
Consumers urged to remain vigilant
FSS is once again urging the public to remain vigilant and check all Glen’s vodka bottles before drinking them. Any products with unusual smell, taste or missing authenticity markings should not be consumed and reported immediately to local environmental health services or the FSS Food Crime and Incidents Unit.
Related news
Trump Vodka returns after 14-year hiatus with US-made relaunch
