Methanol Contamination of Imperial Valkonov Vodka
Monday 3 March 2003
Category B: For Action
Heads of Environmental Health Services and Directors of Trading Standards will wish to be aware of an incidence of methanol contamination of Imperial Valkonov Vodka, available in the Loughborough area, but is believed may now be available in other areas of the country.
Symptoms of methanol poisoning include:
Severe abdominal pain
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Blurred vision leading to blindness
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.
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 Leicestershire Trading Standards Service
Leicestershire Trading Standards Services have recovered 24 bottles of the vodka in an off licence in Loughborough, however 5 bottles currently remain unaccounted for. Samples have been sent to their Public Analyst and results indicate high levels of methanol in the vodka.
The CCDC for their area has been alerted and a press release put out by the local authority to alert local consumers of the potential problem. It is believed that the bottles were purchased from a cash and carry in the London area, and investigations are still ongoing to try and find the source.
Actions taken by the FSA
The FSA is working with relevant local authorities to try and establish the source of the Vodka.
The FSA has issued a press release on Friday 28th February (attached below) and a Q & A briefing (attached below).
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 should take action to ensure that this product is not available within their area. If this product is found, enforcement officers should ensure that it is withdrawn from sale and destroyed, if necessary using powers under the Food Safety Act 1990.
Local Authorities may wish to consider the use of local publicity, where appropriate.
Identification of the Product
Brand name: Imperial Valkonov Vodka (Charcoal Distilled)
Size: 1 Litre clear glass bottles with gold screw top lids
Label: Grey/silver and Gold front labels with the words Imperial Valkonov Vodka and 1 litre.They are also marked 'Distributed for K.M.G 57, Bodana Khmelnitskogo Str 236039 Kalinginrad Russia for EEC' in very small print at the bottom of the label.
Photographs of the bottles are available (attached below) for further assistance in identifying the product.
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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