DRINKERS and off-licence owners have been warned of a counterfeit Spar vodka which is doing the rounds.
The fake Imperial Vodka brand contains dangerous levels of poisonous methanol and has been outlawed, says West Yorkshire Trading Standards (WYTS).
The counterfeit spirit can be identified by blurred text on parts of the label and a missing ‘lot’ code which should be on the neck of the bottle.
The counterfeit vodka is in 70cl glass bottles embossed with the code Ql : 1445c.
Fakes have so far been found in Northumberland and North London in independent non-Spar outlets.
WYTS says the distribution of the fake vodka is likely to be through the “white van” trade.
Retailers should always refuse to buy anything from itinerant traders who they could not properly identify with a genuine name and address.
Kirklees councillor Derrick Yates and chairman of the Trading Standards Committee said: “Food businesses must take responsibility for the food and drink they sell. They must buy food and drink only from reputable sources and keep records of who they are buying from.
“Shopkeepers who buy anything from anonymous traders are putting profit before health.”
He urged West Yorkshire consum-ers to report any concerns to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
