The product ‘Arctic Ice’, which is branded to look like Vodka, was analysed and found to contain Isopropyl Alcohol, which can cause symptoms including drowsiness, stomach pain and cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea. If enough is consumed it could cause unconsciousness and death.

The label on the ‘Arctic Ice’ bottles give no indication of where the alcohol has been produced, or who the manufacturer or importer is, and carries a fake HMRC duty stamp.

This discovery of unsafe alcohol follows seizures of counterfeit wine and Vodka in the county during a Trading Standards campaign to identify counterfeit and illegal alcohol and remove it from sale.

Richard Webb, Acting Head of Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service, said: “Shop owners should be very wary if they are offered cheap alcohol. It may be smuggled, counterfeit or, like Arctic Ice, be unsafe for human consumption.

“Elsewhere in the country, shops have had their alcohol licenses reviewed or revoked because they have been found in possession of illegal alcohol. If any members of the public have this alcohol in their homes they should not drink it and should destroy it. If you have consumed this product, our advice is to contact your doctor immediately.”

Buy with care

Trading Standards is advising businesses and members of the public to be careful when buying alcohol. Choose a brand name that you know and trust. Check the labelling and make sure that it has a name and address for the manufacturer or importer.

If buying alcohol to sell through your shop or business, ensure you buy from a legitimate supplier and keep records of your purchases in the event something goes wrong.

How to spot fake alcohol

Here are a few things to look out for to help you spot counterfeit alcohol:

• Spelling mistakes on the label
• Bottles of the same product look different
• Bottles not filled to the same level
• Label not straight
• Smell of nail varnish

If you are concerned, please contact Oxfordshire Trading Standards on 0845 051 0845 giving information such as the business name and address and product name.

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “It is worrying that people could have purchased this product and if you have, I strongly urge you to follow the advice provided to us by the Trading Standards Service to assure your safety.

“I also urge shop owners to take responsibility for the products they sell and do everything possible to make sure they are safe for human consumption and use. If you have any concerns about items you are offered or see for sale on the shelves, please contact Trading Standards immediately.”