Counterfeit Bottles of a Popular Vodka Brand Filled With a Deadly Substance Are on the Rise, Government Warns

The UK’s Food Standards Authority issued a warning about potentially lethal counterfeit vodka bottles of a popular Scottish brand. (Photo: Glen’s Vodka/Instagram)

On Wednesday, the United Kingdom’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued a warning to the public that potentially deadly counterfeit bottles of a popular vodka brand are being circulated throughout the country. The organization reports that the counterfeit bottles of Loch Lomond’s brand, Glen’s Vodka, are cut with isopropyl alcohol, which could have deadly repercussions if consumed.

“The counterfeit vodka may have a strange smell and taste different to genuine vodka,” the FSA warned in a press release.

The FSA urged consumers to check the bottles for a “laser etched lot code” that Glen’s Vodka typically has on its back label. The organization additionally claimed each authentic bottle of Glen’s Vodka has etched markings at the bottle’s base, identifying the 350 ml bottle size, bottle ID and fill height.

The center of the base of the bottle features an additional bottle mold number, and the FSA urged consumers to avoid using this to identify authentic bottles of Glen’s, as any generic bottle could have this feature.

The etched markings on the bottom of the bottle. (Photo: FSA)

For consumers who may encounter a counterfeit bottle of Glen’s Vodka, the FSA urges they dial the National Food Crime Hotline, 0800 028 1180.

Those who ingest Isopropyl alcohol could face symptoms of nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, breathing difficulties, coma and “cardiovascular collapse.” The FSA urges anybody experiencing these symptoms after consuming a bottle of Glen’s to seek immediate medical care.

Glen’s Vodka dates back to the 1970s, and the Scottish brand refers to itself as the “second best-selling spirit,” in the United Kingdom.

The brand’s flagship vodka is triple distilled. Glen’s Vodka additionally hosts a premium expression within its portfolio called Glen’s Platinum. The “fancy pants” vodka is “distilled from premium grain.”

The Scottish spirits brand is also known for two flavored expressions, a Tropical Fusion and Berry Punch flavor in addition to two ready-to-drink cans: Glen’s Vodka With Cola and Glen’s Vodka With Pink Lemonade.

The BBC reports that Glen’s Vodka is owned by the Loch Lomond Group, and a spokesperson for the brand’s parent company issued a statement:

“Our priority is the health and safety of the public which includes our many thousands of loyal Glen’s customers. We are working hard to support the excellent efforts of Food Standards Scotland and the other authorities involved to address the matter urgently.”

Loch Lomond’s calling cards are its scotch whiskies and gins.

The brand hosts a diverse array of scotches with varying price points — including releases that cost as much as $5,500. The whisky and gin brand is the Official Spirits Partner of The Open Golf Championship and the Loch Lomond is no stranger to offering special releases to commemorate the event.

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