Original Vodka Russia Export Quality

Friday 21 March 2003

The Food Standards Agency has issued an urgent warning to anyone who may have bought a brand of vodka called Original Vodka Russia Export Quality, made in Belgium. This product could contain dangerous levels of methanol.

The Agency is advising anyone who may have a bottle of this vodka not to drink it.

The origin of the vodka is not yet known, nor is it known where the vodka might be on sale. Anyone who has a bottle or who sees it on sale should contact their local authority or local police.

Elevated levels of methanol should not be present in vodka and if consumed, could cause serious harm to health.

Effects of methanol poisoning include abdominal pain, drowsiness and dizziness, blurred vision leading to blindness and breathing difficulties.

Symptoms of methanol poisoning can be delayed for several hours and anyone who thinks they may have drunk this product should seek immediate medical advice.

The Agency was alerted to the issue today by East Lothian Council after two women were admitted to hospital after drinking the suspect vodka.

Samples of the vodka have been sent for testing.

The reverse label of the bottles are marked LO 958, Bar code: 5414145035066.