Beware of bootleg Czech booze, warns Kent Trading Standards

Kent Trading Standards is advising consumers of a warning issued by the Food Standards Agency for travellers to the Czech Republic.

A number of bootleg spirits which have been tainted with industrial methanol have resulted in 19 deaths in the country. 

The contaminated vodkas are on sale in markets, restaurants and pubs in the Czech Republic.

The Czech Ministry of Health has taken immediate steps to ban the sale of alcohol over 20% proof for the foreseeable future. 

However, the Food Standards Agency is advising visitors to be cautious when buying and drinking alcohol in the Czech Republic including the purchasing of locally-produced alcohol to bring back as souvenirs. 

The brands known to have been affected are:

Hanacka Vodka

Vodka Drak

Merunka

Borovicka

Svestkova vodka

Vodka Lunar

Tuzmak

For further information visit the Food Standards Agency website at www.food.gov.uk/news-updates/news/2012/sep/czechspirit