Counterfeit Vodka Poses Blindness Risk
| Published: 5th September 2008 20:03 |
Hampshire County Council has issued a warning after the discovery of a counterfeit brand of vodka containing alcohol levels that could cause blindness.
The 70cl bottles of ‘Imperial Vodka' have been found on sale in a number of independent off-licences despite ‘Imperial' Vodka being a brand name exclusive to the SPAR chain of convenience stores.
Chemical analysis of the vodka, which has a strong smell not usually associated with the spirit, has shown that the counterfeit product contains high levels of Methanol which if consumed in large quantities, could lead to permanent blindness.
There is concern that these counterfeit bottles could be being sold through markets or car boot sales.
The front label on the bottles is a convincing imitation of the genuine product but one of the main distinguishing features of the counterfeit is that the glass bottle has ‘Quinn Glass' and the code ‘QI:1445c' embossed around the bottom of the bottle. If anyone sees ‘Imperial Vodka' on sale anywhere other than at a SPAR store, they should contact Hampshire County Council Trading Standards who are working closely with colleagues in Environmental Health departments on this matter.
Leader of Hampshire County Council, Cllr Ken Thornber said; "Counterfeiting is a serious crime and more worryingly in this case, poses a serous risk to the health of the public. I urge anyone discovering one of these fake bottles to contact Trading Standards immediately."
If you spot one of the fakes, phone Hampshire County Council Trading Standards on 01962 833620.
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