Fake spirits still a serious problem in UK
Feb 08, 2006
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Print PageThe FSA announced Friday that authorities had seized fake vodka after police raided a criminal brewery in northern England. Samples found no methanol contamination, but that stated alcohol levels were erroneous and inappropriate to the brand. The brands affected included Tamova, Kommissar and Hanacka vodkas, while labels were found for creation of counterfeit Glen's Vodka and Imperial Stag Whiskey. The UK-based Gin and Vodka Association and the Scotch Whisky Association announced they would sign an agreement with the UK customs office (HMRC) to increase their fight against black marketers.
"UK spirits producers will be actively working with HMRC to tackle the spirits fraud problem; particularly the large scale organised freight diversion frauds, which deprive the government of millions of pounds of revenue each year," said the Gin and Vodka Association.
Director General Edwin Atkinson announced that "because gin and vodka is the largest sector in the UK spirits market, the industry is well placed to provide information that could have a significant impact on spirits fraud and these agreements reflect this".
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