URGENT: FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY ALERT: DROP VODKA

The following briefing notes have been sent to and distributed by Cllr Nilgun Canver.

I am publishing them on this site becase of their obvious importance.

I have just spoken to a senior council officer, who will be attempting to have further visits made to the various retailers on Green Lanes in the run-up to the New Year.

David Schmitz

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Harringay Ward

Briefing- Food Standards Alert relating to ‘Drop’ Vodka
The Food Standards Agency has just issued a Food Alert about 70cl bottles of ‘Drop’ vodka on sale in the UK. These have been found to contain a dangerous ingredient called Propan-2-ol, as well as other substances which can be potentially damaging to health. (They are also misdescribed as they only have 28% alcohol. Anything calling itself vodka is required to be at least 37%).

There are two versions of the vodka –one saying ‘Bottled in France’ and the other one ‘Bottled in Italy’. Both of these have the dangerous ingredients – there is no ‘safe’ or legal version. The real origins of the drink are unknown as there are no details on the bottle.

Regulatory Services are writing to all 751 shopkeepers with alcohol licenses to warn them not to sell the drink and to notify the Council so that the bottles can be destroyed. This is in line with the official request made by the Food Standards Agency. SNT police officers have also been advised

Shopkeepers have been asked to let us know of the details of their suppliers, and have been reminded that they should not buy anything from sources they do not know to be reputable. Their customers could be at risk of illness and they themselves could be prosecuted and lose their licenses. Trading Standards officers have ceased found ‘Drop’ Vodka in the borough.

Officers will also be visiting premises in the borough to check compliance. A press release will be issued.

Briefing Update - Food Standards Agency ‘Drop’ Vodka Alert

In response to recent intelligence and a subsequent FSA Food Alert dated 23 November 2011, enforcement officers from Haringey’s Environmental Health and Trading Standards teams visited over 80 licensed retailers, including off-licenses, mini/super markets and some wholesalers.

The visits, which took place between 14thand 29th November 2011, showed that the vast majority of licensed premises were not stocking ‘Drop’ Vodka. However, officers were able to identify and seize 11 bottles from three premises located in Wood Green, Hornsey and Tottenham.
The visits indicate rogue operators have distributed ‘Drop’ Vodka and potentially other illicit alcohol within the borough. Officers will be undertaking further visits to identify the extent of the problem in Haringey.
Officers will continue to question the licensees / operators of those premises found to be distributing the ‘Drop’ Vodka to ascertain supplier details. In addition, these premises may be subject to a review of their premises license.
During these visits, shopkeepers were:

• Quizzed on the sale of illicit alcohol
• Reminded of their obligations to source alcohol from a reputable supplier
• Advised to provide the Council with the details of persons offering ‘Drop’ Vodka or other illicit alcohol

Officers also took the opportunity to confirm license and food registration details

Contraventions:

There are a number of contraventions associated with this product:-

The product does not contain enough alcohol to be legally described as vodka ( the minimum standard for vodka is 37.5%). Some local authorities have found examples of the product containing only 27% alcohol

• There are a number of labelling issues e.g. missing manufacturer’s details etc
• There is a food safety concern with the presence of Propan-2-ol and other substances identified which can be potentially damaging to health

Main distinctive marks:

• The Duty stamp does not fluoresce under UV light.
• The duty reference on the illicit bottles A000000000618 belongs to Glen Catrine Bonded Warehouse Ltd. Drop Vodka is not a Glen Catrine product.
• The barcode 0123456789 is not a valid bar code.
• No spirit manufacturers lot number on bottle.
• No manufacturers name and address on the label.
• Front and rear labels are self-adhesive.
• Punt mark on bottles show bottle made by ‘Ol glassware’.
• The general print quality of the labels is poor.