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Listen to this siteMonday 24 March 2003
Category B : 'For Action'
Heads of Environmental Health Services will wish to be aware of an incidence of methanol contamination of Original Vodka Russia Export Quality, in East Lothian, but is believed may now be available in other areas of Scotland.
On Friday the Agency issued an advice notice to all Local Authorities throughout Scotland to warn them to be aware of the product
Identification of the Product
Original Vodka Russia Export Quality
1 Litre, Made in Belgium, 37.5% volume
The front label has a coat of arms (Two lions, shield in middle with star and crown)
The back label has a batch code (Lo958) and barcode (5414145035066)
Although the product label is slightly unclear, the batch code appears to be an upper case 'L' followed by a lower case 'o'.
Symptoms of methanol poisoning include:
The symptoms of methanol poisoning can be delayed for several hours so anyone who may have drunk this vodka may not be immediately aware of its dangers.
Actions taken by East Lothian Environmental Health Department /Lothian & Borders Police
Four cases of 12 bottles each have been seized by Lothian & Borders Police from a house in East Lothian. All but two bottles have been accounted for. The bottles are believed to have come from the West Coast of Scotland. Samples have been sent to their Public Analyst and results indicate 5.7% methanol.
It is believed that the bottles were purchased from a supplier in the West Coast of Scotland, and Police investigations are still ongoing to try and find the source.
European Council regulation 1576/89 lays down no specific limit for methanol in vodka. However, vodka is produced exclusively from ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin, for which a methanol limit of 50 g per hectolitre of 100% volume alcohol applies. On these grounds, vodka should contain no more than 0.5g methanol per litre of 100% volume alcohol.
Actions taken by the FSA
The Agency will continue to support police investigation into the illegal source of the product by raising the awareness of its presence in the public domain.
The FSA issued a press release on Friday 21th March 2003
To date the FSA has no information on the possible distribution of this product, but if further information becomes available, Local Authorities will be advised accordingly.
Action to be taken by Local Authorities:
The product listed below does not comply with the food safety requirements specified in the Food Safety Act 1990 due to contamination with methanol.
Local Authorities are asked to make all enquiries they deem necessary to identify whether the counterfeit product may be on sale in their area. In particular it is recommended that all licensed premises are contacted and made aware of the problem. If this product is found, enforcement officers should ensure that it is withdrawn from sale and destroyed, if necessary using powers under the Food Safety Act 1990 and ask that Local Authorities keep the Food Standards Agency informed.
Local Authorities may wish to consider the use of local publicity, where appropriate.
It is expected that action by Local Authorities will be initiated as soon as possible after receipt of this food hazard warning.
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