How to spot deadly fake alcohol amid festive period warning

The public is being warned to remain vigilant for possible counterfeit alcohol being sold in shops over the Christmas period.

Food Standards Scotland has said fake alcohol could pose a serious risk to public health and the integrity of Scotland’s licensed trade.

Counterfeit alcohol can contain dangerous chemicals such as industrial solvents, which are toxic and potentially lethal. These substances can cause severe illness, including nausea, dizziness, organ damage, and in extreme cases, death.

How to spot fake alcohol

Consumers are urged not to drink alcohol from a bottle that looks suspicious, unusual or tastes off.

According to the Food Standards Agency, the public should watch out for the four Ps:

Product – watch out for fake versions as well as brand names you have never heard of
Price – if the price looks too good to be true, it probably is

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The alcohol may pose a risk to health over concerns the company has been producing and selling alcoholic products without the required safety controls.

Packaging – look out for poor quality labelling, spelling mistakes and bottles that have been tampered with
Place – always buy your alcohol from a reputable off-licence or retailer

What to do if you consume fake alcohol

Anyone who suspects they have consumed counterfeit alcohol should seek medical advice immediately and report concerns about the product to the local authority, FSS or via the Scottish Food Crime Hotline, which is operated in partnership with Crimestoppers.

Ron McNaughton, head of the Food Crime and Incidents Unit at FSS said: “Selling counterfeit alcohol is not a victimless crime, it endangers lives and undermines legitimate businesses.

“Over the last couple of years, with the assistance of local authorities and Police Scotland, we have seized counterfeit alcohol which posed a serious risk to public health and a number of consumers became ill after drinking the product.

“As a result of this, a number of shopkeepers have lost their alcohol license and been reported to the Procurator Fiscal for consideration of criminal prosecution.

“In the run-up to the festive period, we want to remind consumers to be vigilant and also warn retailers that we will continue to take robust action against anyone found selling these products.”