Cardiff Council’s Trading Standards is warning people about an illegal brand of vodka called Arctic Ice which has been found on sale in some shops across the UK.
Consumers are advised not to drink the vodka because laboratory tests have revealed dangerous levels of methanol – a secondary alcohol used as antifreeze, solvent and cleaning fluid. In some cases, the methanol content has been over eighteen times the permitted level. The vodka has also been found to contain chloroform and isopropanol, which are both commonly used in cleaning products.
Trading Standards officers warned that consumption of the vodka could lead to abdominal pain, drowsiness, dizziness and even blindness.
Legitimate food and drink producers and all businesses in the food chain are subject to rigorous official controls to ensure the food and drink available in this country is safe. However, Arctic Ice is not registered by any company in the UK and has not been through this process.
Deputy Leader of Cardiff Council, Councillor Judith Woodman, said: “One of the Council’s main priorities is protecting the health and wellbeing of its residents. Alcoholic products like Arctic Ice may seem like a good deal but in truth the true cost to anyone who consumes the product could be terrible. The criminal gangs producing it are also profiting from legitimate businesses and damaging our economy. People should contact our public protection team if they suspect vodka or any other alcoholic drink may be counterfeit.”
HM Revenue & Custom are investigating those that are believed to be responsible.
If consumers discover Arctic Ice on sale, they should contact HMRC on 0800 59 5000 or call the Food Standards Agency food fraud hotline on 020 7276 8527.
If it’s consumed, people should seek medical advice and go to their doctor.
