FSA issues warning over counterfeit Glen's vodka

Counterfeit vodka labelled as Glen’s Vodka has been offered for sale in a number of outlets in London, the Midlands and North Scotland, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned.

According to the FSA, the word “bottled” is mis-spelt on the front label so it reads “Produced and botteled in Great Britain” and the rear label reads “D-RINK AWARE.CO.UK” rather than “DRINKAWARE.CO.UK”.

It said it is working closely with local authorities and the brand owner to stop the unlawful selling of the product and asked for anyone who encounters the vodka to not drink it and report it.

Recently in Moray and Highland Council areas, information from Police Scotland, Trading Standards and Environmental Health teams led to the seizure of 236 bottles of counterfeit Glen's brand vodka.

Geoff Ogle, director of FSA in Scotland, said: 'The Food Standards Agency continues to work with enforcement agencies across the UK to stamp out the trade in counterfeit alcohol.”

A spokesman for Glen's Vodka said: "At Glen’s, quality is our number one priority and we want our consumers to enjoy the authentic Glen's product. Counterfeiting is an issue that affects the whole spirits industry and we are working closely with all relevant agencies, including the FSA and trading standards, to tackle these isolated incidents relating to Glen's.

"We have recently changed the labelling on bottles of Glen’s to include embossing, which makes it more difficult for counterfeiters to copy the packaging on this product."