Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

The genuine article is at the top; the faded fake version is at the bottom.
check the label

How to tell counterfeit Smirnoff vodka from real deal

FSAI spot counterfeit one-litre bottles of vodka with fake Smirnoff Red Label branding.

THE FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY of Ireland has warned that it has identified a number of bottles of vodka with counterfeit labels.

The one-litre bottles are marked with Smirnoff Red Label branding but were not produced by that company. Lab analysis of the vodka found that it was 32 per cent alcohol content, rather than the 37.5 per cent alcohol content in the real deal.

The Authority has warned consumers to stay vigilant and not to purchase if they have any doubts that the vodka is genuine.

These are the ways in which you will be able to tell if it is a fake label or not – the fake label is fairly sophisticated but those with the Irish addresses are fake – the ones with the UK markings are correct.

The genuine Smirnoff label:

imageThe fake Smirnoff label:

imageGenuine:

imageCounterfeit:

image

Images via FSAI.

The CEO of the Food Safety Authority, Prof Alan Reilly, said that while there hasn’t been any specific food hazards identified in the bottles found, they are concerned that there may be unknown contaminants in other batches which they haven’t yet seized.

He said:

Given we have no information as to when or where this alcohol originates, it would be unwise for anyone to drink it.

The counterfeit vodka was found on sale in the retail and pub sectors. Food businesses should only source stock from registered distributors and wholesalers, as it is their legal responsibility to ensure the food and drink they are selling complies with all food safety and traceability requirements.

Diageo Ireland, which distributes Smirnoff here, says that it has been giving all assistance to the FSAI to identify the counterfeiters. They asked that anyone with information or who spots counterfeit products to contact them the Diageo Consumer helpline on 1850 25 00 00 or the FSAI on 1890 33 66 77 or at info@fsai.ie.

Over 1,500 seizures of counterfeit goods made in first quarter of year>
‘Unscrupulous pub owners’ selling dangerous counterfeit alcohol>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
62
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds