Dangerous vodka seized in Salford

Dangerous vodka seized in Salford

 
Dangerous fake vodka, which could cause poisoning if drunk, has been seized in Langworthy and Broughton.

Residents and retailers are being warned not to buy the fake products being sold as 70 cl bottles of 'Smirnoff' and unknown brand 'Drop' vodka.

The fake Smirnoff is recognisable by how the labels have been applied - by hand - often not quite straight and using dollops of glue which are visible. 

Trading Standards officers are working extra hours to make sure all off licenses in the city are visited, so far seizing 150 bottles of the counterfeit bottles. 

Retailers have been grateful of the warning about the fake products and have been reminded to buy only from reputable sources.

The dodgy booze contains ‘denatured alcohol’ more usually used as fuel for camping stoves and therefore unfit for human consumption. If drunk this can cause serious poisoning with symptoms of flushing, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and could even induce a coma.

Trading Standards' investigations into anyone found to be selling these products are ongoing.

Cllr Ray Mashiter, Salford City Council lead member for environment said:

“We can’t stress enough how dangerous this vodka is and the serious health consequences it could have if drunk.

Council officers from three departments are working extra hours to make sure we visit every off licence in the city and seize any of these products.

I’m very grateful to the resident who came forward as we have been able to act swiftly to try and avoid any harm being caused to unsuspecting customers. We rely on the public making reports to us alongside our regular inspections.

If anyone thinks they have bought these products they shouldn’t drink them and they should contact our Trading Standards team on 0161 925 1346.”