8:40pm Tuesday 30th September 2008
By Richard Gurner
An investigation has been launched after counterfeit vodka that could make drinkers go blind was found on sale in off-licences.
Three off-licences in Brighton and Hove were found to be selling the imported vodka, which contains potentially harmful levels of methanol.
Methanol is widely used as an industrial solvent found in some household chemicals and can cause nausea, dizziness and in some cases blindness.
Trading standards officials from Brighton and Hove City Council are now investigating where the vodka came from and will be visiting off licences in the city to check if it is on sale.
The fake vodka is packaged as Spar-branded 'Imperial Vodka', although no bottles have been found on sale in any Spar stores.
A council spokesman refused to name the three off licences where the vodka was found on sale because of the investigation but said there had been no reports so far of ill-health associated with it.
For further advice or if you find any counterfeit product on sale contact the council’s trading standards department on 01273 292494.
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