Trading standards chiefs have issued a warning after more than 200 bottles of fake vodka were seized from a Moray shopkeeper.
Tests are still being carried out on the Glen’s-branded “spirits” – and it could be a fortnight before the side effects for anyone who drank them become clear.
The bottles were discovered during a raid on a small store following a tip-off from a member of the public.
The counterfeiters had blundered by making spelling mistakes.
The front labels read “Produced and botteled in Great Britain”.
The text below the wording “Enjoy Glen’s Vodka responsibly” on the rear label should read “DRINKAWARE.CO.UK”, but says “D-RINK AWARE.CO.UK”.
Investigations by trading standards officers in conjunction with the Food Standards agency and Glen’s manufacturer Loch Lomond Group have revealed the counterfeit spirits have also been offered for sale by independent retailers in London, the English Midland and other parts of the north of Scotland.
Moray Council’s principal environmental health officer, James McLennan, said: “It is a cause for concern that fake vodka is being sold in Moray.
“Food fraud is not only a crime – but it can put the health of the public at risk.
“These drinks can be produced in clandestine premises where there are no controls over hygiene or of the composition of the drinks.
“Licensed premises should only purchase products from reputable suppliers where the provenance is known.”
Peter Adamson, the council’s trading standards manager, said the sale of counterfeit alcohol was a known problem across the UK.
“Previous unannounced trading standards and environmental health inspection have not found any in Moray,” he said.
“However, this seizure shows that fake alcohol is being sold locally.
“Retailers are advised to only buy from reliable sources and to seek advice from trading standards if they have concerns that suppliers are selling fake goods.”
Councillor Chris Tuke, who chairs Moray Council’s planning and regulatory services committee, said: “It is concerning that fake vodka has been found for sale.
“The trade in illicit goods undermines legitimate traders and supports organised criminal groups who manufacture and distribute fake goods.
“Our trading standards and environmental health officers will continue inspections and use complaints and other intelligence to target action against counterfeit goods, including alcohol.”
The FSA has advised consumers to check closely for spelling mistakes on the label of any Glen’s vodka they have purchased – and not drink spirits they suspect are not genuine.
Geoff Ogle, the director of the Food Standards Agency in Scotland, said: “A very cheap bottle of vodka may seem like a fantastic bargain, but the safest thing to do is not to buy it, and if you have any concerns report it immediately to your local authority trading standards.”
Genuine Glen’s Vodka – which was originally known as Grant’s when it was launched in 1972 – is produced at the Catrine Distillery in Ayrshire.
Its name was changed in 2001 following a legal challenge. In July last year it was reported to be the UK’s second best selling spirit.