Vodka made from anti-freeze among Norfolk counterfeit seizures

Trading Standards officers based at Norfolk County Council have warned people to watch out for fake goods. Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2011

Consumer watchdogs have warned people to watch out for fake and potentially dangerous goods on sale in Norfolk.

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Today is World Anti Counterfeiting Day, and Norfolk County Council Trading Standards is warning consumers to be on their guard.

In the past 12 months, they have seized counterfeit alcohol and tobacco in Norwich, Great Yarmouth and King’s Lynn.

Their haul included vodka containing dangerous chemicals believed to have been produced from vehicle antifreeze.

It was difficult to distinguish this product, falsely labelled as Glen’s Vodka, from the genuine examples of the brand of vodka, but it would have posed significant dangers to health if drunk.

Officers have also seized counterfeit gin and champagne, with similar concerns about how they were made.

Seizures of counterfeit tobacco have increased over the past 12 months. The tobacco, a mixture of bootleg foreign imports and the hand rolling variety, carried no health warnings and little or no labelling.

Officers have found children’s toys with dangerous and illegal levels of lead and chromium, as well as counterfeit CDs, DVDs and clothing.

Ann Jackson, senior trading standards officer at Norfolk County Council, said: “The public should be aware that counterfeit goods are not only depriving legitimate businesses and brands of revenue but products such as fake alcohol and tobacco have the potential to kill.

“Trading Standards Officers actively work in communities across Norfolk to identify counterfeit goods on sale and have the power to seize illegal goods and prosecute offenders.

“If found guilty, they can face up to 10 years in prison, unlimited fines and have goods and vehicles confiscated and assets seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.”

Trading Standards Officers advise consumers to always check the branding, packaging and labelling of products and if they believe a product to be counterfeit, report it to Consumer Direct on 0845 040506.