FSS issues urgent warning over Orkney whisky and gin
Food Standards Scotland has warned consumers not to drink whisky or gin made by Kimbland Distillery over safety concerns. The alert comes as the festive break approaches and covers products sold locally and online.
Food Standards Scotland has issued an urgent warning advising consumers not to purchase or consume any whisky or gin produced by Kimbland Distillery Ltd, according to a statement released by the agency. FSS said the distillery had been producing and selling alcoholic drinks without the required safety controls and had failed to provide evidence that its products meet safety standards.
The warning covers all whisky and gin manufactured by the business and applies whether bottles were bought for personal consumption or given as gifts, as per FSS guidance circulated to local authorities.
What consumers should avoid
FSS has advised consumers to be alert to the following products. New Make Spirit of Whisky in all sizes. Sanday Tempest Gin 70cl. Sanday Sunset Gin 70cl. Sanday No.1 Gin 70cl. Filled barrels and casks.
According to FSS, these items may pose a health risk and should not be consumed under any circumstances.
Festive timing sharpens concern
Stuart McAdam, head of incidents at Food Standards Scotland, said the warning followed close collaboration with the local authority. “Following close collaboration with the local authority, we are warning consumers not to drink any products from the Kimbland Distillery due to safety concerns,” he said.
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“As we approach the festive break, we want to make sure that anyone who may have purchased these for themselves or as a gift, knows about the potential risk that these products may pose.”
Wider reach
Information held by FSS suggests distribution was mainly localised to Orkney, though the business also operates an online store, meaning products may have been sold more widely, according to the agency. Enforcement authorities across Scotland have been directed to identify and contact any establishments that may be stocking the affected products.
The distillery is based on the island of Sanday and trades under the name Kimbland Distillery.
Distillery owner responds
Kimbland Distillery is owned and operated by Sebastian Hadfield Hyde. Speaking to BBC Radio Orkney, he said he was “furious and upset” and described the warning as coming “out of the blue”.
He told the broadcaster: “I’ve sold hundreds of bottles of gin over the past five years but my premises have been a building site for the last year-and-a-half. I haven’t been producing any spirits in that time, or supplying local wholesalers or selling through my website.”
The BBC also reported that Kimbland Distillery said it had not been producing or supplying spirits for the past 18 months.
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