Food Standards Agency
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Counterfeit Glen’s Vodka
The Food Standards Agency has been made aware that counterfeit vodka labelled as Glen’s Vodka has been offered for sale in several locations around the UK. The FSA is sharing intelligence with the brand owner and local authority officers investigating this issue.
Investigations by enforcement officers, supported by intelligence from the FSA and information supplied by Glen’s Vodka, have revealed that the counterfeit vodka has been offered for sale in a number of small independent retail outlets in London, the Midlands and North Scotland.
How to identify the counterfeit bottles of Glen's Vodka
- The word 'bottled' is misspelt on the front label text reading ‘Produced and botteled in Great Britain'.
- The text below the statement 'ENJOY GLEN’S VODKA RESPONSIBLY' on the rear label should read 'DRINKAWARE.CO.UK' rather than 'D-RINK AWARE.CO.UK'.
The FSA advises that consumers should be vigilant and check closely for spelling mistakes on the label. The FSA takes the issue of food and drink fraud very seriously and is working closely with local authorities and the brand owner to stop the unlawful selling of this vodka.
If you or another member of the public ever identifies counterfeit alcohol, the safest thing to do is not to drink it and report it.
Local authorities taking action
Recently in Moray and Highland Council areas, information from Police Scotland, Trading Standards and Environmental Health teams led to the seizure of 236 bottles of counterfeit Glen's brand vodka.
Geoff Ogle, Director of Food Standards Agency in Scotland, said: 'The Food Standards Agency continues to work with enforcement agencies across the UK to stamp out the trade in counterfeit alcohol. A very cheap bottle of vodka may seem like a fantastic "bargain", but the safest thing to do is not buy it and if you have any concerns report it immediately to your local authority Trading Standards.'
No one has yet been identified as the distributor of the counterfeit vodka, therefore distribution information is not available. Local authorities have typically found products on sale in small independent retailers, corner shops, petrol stations etc. If further information on distribution becomes available, local authorities will be advised accordingly.
If you are concerned that you may have bought any counterfeit vodka, you should contact the FSA’s Food Fraud Team by calling 020 7276 8426 or emailing foodfraud@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk.
Local authorities should report any finding of counterfeit Vodka by sending a completed Intelligence Report Form to the same email address.
