FSAI warns of counterfeit Smirnoff
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has identified a small quantity of counterfeit Smirnoff Red Label vodka in one litre bottles available on the Irish market.
Print20 December 2013
The information was provided to the FSAI from the Food Standards Agency in the UK where an investigation is ongoing into counterfeit alcohol. The FSAI has stated that whilst laboratory analysis for the Irish counterfeit vodka did not detect harmful ingredients, the alcohol content was 32% ABV rather than the 37.5% in the genuine vodka and the Authority has advised consumers and food businesses to be vigilant. If they have any doubt about its authenticity they should not purchase or consume it.
Ireland is one of Diageo’s biggest markets for its Smirnoff brand and the FSAI said that the counterfeit vodka had been found on sale in “the retail and pub sectors” here.
FSAI Chief Executive Professor Alan Reilly said that the analysis carried out to date on the counterfeit product has not identified specific food safety hazards; however, the source of the alcohol is unknown and there may be contaminants in other batches.
The counterfeit vodka also has “Produced in Ireland” on the label where it should cite the UK as the country of origin in bottles that are less than 18 months old. However, if people have old product in their house that was purchased over 18 months ago that states ‘Produced in Ireland’ on the label, it will be legitimate, the FSAI pointed out.
The FSAI also pointed out that the labels themselves are also "inferior".
Alan Reilly added, “Given we have no information as to when or where this alcohol originates from, it would be unwise for anyone to drink it”.
He continued, “Whilst the counterfeit product is somewhat sophisticated in its design to almost mirror the original product, there are some notable differences consumers should pay particular attention to”.
• Counterfeit product is labelled ‘Produced in Ireland’ – the genuine product states ‘Produced in the United Kingdom’
• Counterfeit product has an address in Ireland – the genuine product has an address in the UK
• The quality of the printed labels is somewhat inferior on the fake bottles compared to the genuine product.
The FSAI is working closely with Environmental Health Officers in the Health Service Executive, Diageo, the Gardaí and the Customs Service to seek to determine the source of this fraudulent activity. It’s also in close contact with its counterparts in the UK Food Standards Agency on this issue.
The Authority will provide updates as and when necessary.
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