Methanol-contaminated vodka: your questions answered
Friday 28 February 2003
Your questions answered about methanol-contaminated vodka.
What is methanol
Methanol (wood alcohol) is a substance formed naturally during the production of many alcoholic drinks and, at the low levels normally present, is not harmful to health
Why is it a problem in this case?
Methanol should not be present in this product at the levels it has been found and could cause serious harm to someone drinking it.
What are the symptoms of methanol poisoning?
Effects include severe abdominal pain, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision leading to blindness and the risk of coma with breathing difficulties.
Symptoms of methanol poisoning can be delayed for several hours so anyone who has drunk this product may not be immediately aware of the dangers.
What action is the Agency taking?
The Agency is strongly advising people not to drink this product. Local Authorities have been alerted to ensure that the product is not on sale in their area. Investigations are continuing as to the origin of this product and its distribution.
How can I tell if I have bought one of the bottles?
The bottles are labelled Imperial Valkanov Vodka, which is not a recognised, existing brand. Click here for a picture of the bottle. Anyone concerned that they may have one of these bottles should contact their local authority.
What should I do if I have one of the bottles?
The Agency is strongly advising people not to drink this product. If anyone has a bottle at home, or is unsure if it is a genuine product, they should contact the environmental health officers at their local authority.
What should I do if I have already drunk this vodka?
Symptoms of methanol poisoning can be serious and may be delayed for several hours. Anyone who have thinks that they may have recently drunk this product (within the last 24 hours) should seek immediate medical advice.