Warning over 'fake vodka'

12:18pm Wednesday 27th August 2008

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HARMFUL counterfeit vodka could be on sale in Buckinghamshire, the Food Standards Agency has warned.

An investigation is under way after several councils throughout Britain received reports fake 70cl bottles of Spar Imperial vodka was available.

The drink contains "potentially harmful" levels of methanol which could have "serious health effects including blindness", said the Food Standards Agency.

The Agency said there are no concerns with authentic bottles of Spar Imperial Vodka - which are only available through Spar stores.

If Spar vodka is available through other agencies it is likely to be counterfeit.

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.

There is no lot code present on the neck of the counterfeit bottle samples, whereas lot codes are present on all legitimate stock.

Members of the public are advised to report any counterfeit Spar Imperial Vodka to Buckinghamshire County Council trading standards.

No cases have so far been reported to the council, who are contacting small businesses throughout the county to make them aware of the problem.