Food alert for actionFSA
Glen’s Vodka withdrawn over a food safety concern
The FSA has been made aware of the production and distribution of counterfeit vodka labelled as Glen’s Vodka. The counterfeit vodka may have a strange smell and taste differently to genuine vodka. Products sampled were found to contain isopropyl alcohol, so they are unsafe. Isopropyl alcohol is an industrial solvent and is not intended for human consumption. Consumption of isopropyl alcohol can quickly lead to alcohol poisoning, and in severe cases death. Information is provided below to help consumers and businesses identify affected vodka. The FSA has today issued a food alert for action notice to local authorities, requesting them to identify and visit relevant establishments in their area to check for counterfeit products and make businesses aware of the issue.
Point-of-sale notice published with the recall 
What to do now
Glen’s Vodka has been taken off sale because of a food safety concern.
- Compare your pack with the product details listed below.
- If it matches, do not eat it.
- Return it to the shop where you bought it, where you should get your money back, or bin it.
- Check the freezer and cupboards for other packs with the same details, including anything you have decanted or portioned.
Why it matters. Businesses must withdraw or recall food that is not safe or is not what it says it is. The official notice explains the specific problem.
Symptoms and when to get help
Look out for
- feeling sick or being sick
- diarrhoea
- stomach cramps
- a high temperature
- feeling generally unwell, tired or achy
Get help urgently
- signs of dehydration, such as passing little or no pee, feeling dizzy or very thirsty
- blood in your poo or bleeding from the bottom
- symptoms that are not improving after a few days, or keep coming back
- a baby, a young child, someone pregnant, someone older or someone with a weakened immune system is unwell
This is general information based on NHS public guidance, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice use NHS 111 (NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland) or, in Northern Ireland, your GP or out-of-hours service.
Getting your money back
Recalled food can be returned to the shop it came from for a full refund. Supermarkets and most independent shops do this without a receipt, because the recall applies to the product, not to your purchase.
If you bought it online or on a delivery, contact the retailer through your account or customer services and tell them the product is under an FSA recall.
From the official notice
Published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA-FAFA-03-2024). Quoted as issued.
Summary
The FSA has been made aware of the production and distribution of counterfeit vodka labelled as Glen’s Vodka. The counterfeit vodka may have a strange smell and taste differently to genuine vodka.
Products sampled were found to contain isopropyl alcohol, so they are unsafe. Isopropyl alcohol is an industrial solvent and is not intended for human consumption. Consumption of isopropyl alcohol can quickly lead to alcohol poisoning, and in severe cases death.
Information is provided below to help consumers and businesses identify affected vodka. The FSA has today issued a food alert for action notice to local authorities, requesting them to identify and visit relevant establishments in their area to check for counterfeit products and make businesses aware of the issue.
The risk
Isopropyl alcohol is toxic and not suitable for human consumption.
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, intoxication, respiratory depression and coma. Cardiovascular collapse is also possible. Anyone with symptoms should seek medical attention.
Advice to consumers
If you see any Glen’s vodka that has no laser etched lot code applied to the bottle between the rear label and the base of the bottle as indicated in the PDF attachment above do not buy it.
Vodka contaminated by isopropyl alcohol has a strong odour so if the vodka smells differently do not drink it.
Instead, store it in a safe place and report it to your Local Authority for further instruction and advice. If anyone has any information on the manufacture or sale of counterfeit alcohol, then please contact our freephone confidential National Food Crime Unit hotline: 0800 028 1180.
Open the FSA notice
Questions
Why has Glen’s Vodka been recalled?
Glen’s Vodka has been taken off sale because of a food safety concern. Businesses must withdraw or recall food that is not safe or is not what it says it is. The official notice explains the specific problem.
How do I know if my product is affected?
The notice describes the affected product rather than listing codes. Compare the product name, pack size and where you bought it with the official notice.
What should I do now?
Compare your pack with the product details listed below. If it matches, do not eat it.
Can I get a refund?
Recalled food can be returned to the shop it came from for a full refund. Supermarkets and most independent shops do this without a receipt, because the recall applies to the product, not to your purchase. If you bought it online or on a delivery, contact the retailer through your account or customer services and tell them the product is under an FSA recall.
