The public are being warned about fake bottles of Glen’s Vodka which have been found to contain an industrial solvent that can cause death in severe cases.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said some 35cl counterfeit bottles have been found to contain isopropyl alcohol, which is not intended for human consumption.

The fake vodka may have a strange smell and taste differently to genuine vodka, the FSA warned.

It comes a day after Food Standards Scotland (FSS) warned that fake Glen’s Vodka had been found in local convenience stores in Glasgow and Lanarkshire.

In a statement, the FSA, which covers England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, announced it has been informed about the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit vodka marketed under the Glen’s Vodka brand.

“The tested products were discovered to contain isopropyl alcohol, which makes them unsafe. Isopropyl alcohol is an industrial solvent and should not be consumed by humans,” the agency reported.

Consuming this solvent can lead to alcohol poisoning and can be fatal in severe cases, the FSA warned.

They advise consumers to verify the presence of a laser etched lot code located between the rear label and the base of the bottle.

The FSA stated that isopropyl carries “a strong odour and it may be possible to detect contaminated products by smell alone”.

“If the vodka emits a strong smell, do not consume it. Instead, securely store it and notify your local authority for further instructions and guidance,” the agency advised.

Following the FSS’s alert issued in Scotland on Tuesday, a representative for the Loch Lomond Group, which owns Glen’s Vodka, remarked: “Our focus is the health and safety of the public, which includes our many thousands of loyal Glen’s customers.

“We are actively supporting the outstanding work of Food Standards Scotland and other authorities to quickly resolve this issue.”