West Lothian Council's Environmental Health team conducted spot checks on local businesses following the seizure of counterfeit vodka in another area. A public health warning was issued after it was discovered that this fake vodka contained isopropyl alcohol, which can be harmful if ingested. Food Standards Scotland also released a nationwide alert regarding this issue.

The counterfeit vodka, sold in 35cl bottles labeled as Glen’s, may have an unusual smell and taste compared to genuine vodka. Officials warned that even small amounts of isopropyl can be dangerous, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, confusion, slow breathing, and potentially severe outcomes such as coma or death.

To identify authentic Glen’s vodka, consumers were advised to look for a laser-etched lot code on the bottle between the rear label and base. The council emphasized that if anyone suspected they had consumed this counterfeit product or experienced any concerning symptoms after drinking it, they should contact NHS 24 immediately or call emergency services if symptoms were severe.

Those who believe they might have purchased the counterfeit vodka were instructed not to drink it or dispose of it but instead reach out to the Environmental Health team for guidance.

Original article

The article provides some actionable information by alerting the public about the presence of counterfeit vodka in the market. It gives specific details about the product, such as the brand name and bottle size, which can help consumers identify and avoid the fake product. The advice to look for a laser-etched lot code is a clear step that can be taken to verify the authenticity of the vodka. Additionally, the article provides emergency contact information, which is a useful resource for those who may have consumed the counterfeit product and are experiencing adverse effects.

However, it does not go into great educational depth. While it mentions the potential dangers of isopropyl alcohol, it does not explain in detail how this substance can harm the body or why it is used as a counterfeit ingredient. A deeper explanation of the chemical's properties and its effects on the human body could have added educational value.

In terms of personal relevance, the topic is highly relevant to the public's health and safety. The potential risks associated with consuming counterfeit alcohol are significant and could have severe consequences. The article effectively communicates the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action if symptoms are experienced.

The public service function of the article is evident through the official warnings and safety advice provided. It serves as a public alert, informing people about a potentially dangerous product in circulation. The article also fulfills its responsibility by providing a clear channel for communication and guidance through the Environmental Health team and NHS 24.

The practicality of the advice is generally good. The steps to identify the counterfeit product and the instructions to seek medical help are clear and realistic. However, the advice to not dispose of the counterfeit vodka may be less practical for some individuals, as it could pose a risk to keep such a product in their possession.

The article does not address long-term impact or provide strategies for preventing similar incidents in the future. While it focuses on the immediate issue at hand, it does not offer any insights or plans to mitigate the broader problem of counterfeit alcohol production and distribution.

In terms of emotional impact, the article effectively communicates the potential severity of the situation, which may cause concern or alarm for readers. However, it also provides a sense of empowerment by offering clear steps to take if the counterfeit product is identified or consumed.

While the article does not contain overt clickbait or ad-driven language, it could be argued that the dramatic language used to describe the potential health risks may be seen as a form of sensationalism.

The article could have provided more depth by offering additional resources or links to trusted sources where readers could learn more about the dangers of isopropyl alcohol and how to identify counterfeit alcohol products. It could also have included a brief history or background on the issue of counterfeit alcohol to provide further context.

In summary, the article provides valuable actionable information and serves a public service function by alerting the public to a health hazard. It effectively communicates the urgency of the situation and offers clear steps for consumers to take. However, it lacks educational depth, does not address long-term impact or prevention strategies, and may cause emotional concern without providing comprehensive solutions.

"Food Standards Scotland also released a nationwide alert regarding this issue."

This sentence uses passive voice to hide who is taking action. It makes it seem like the alert happened on its own, without emphasizing the role of Food Standards Scotland. The bias here helps the organization by downplaying its involvement, making it appear less proactive. This wording could make readers less aware of the organization's role in keeping the public safe.

"Officials warned that even small amounts of isopropyl can be dangerous..."

The use of the word "officials" is a general term that doesn't specify who is giving the warning. This could be a government official, a health expert, or someone else in authority. The bias here is that it adds credibility to the warning without revealing the specific source, which might be important for the public to know.

"To identify authentic Glen’s vodka, consumers were advised to look for a laser-etched lot code..."

This sentence suggests that consumers have the power to identify authentic vodka, which is a positive message. However, it might be misleading as it doesn't mention the difficulty of spotting fakes or the potential consequences of getting it wrong. The bias here is that it simplifies the issue, making it seem like consumers have more control than they might actually have.

"The council emphasized that if anyone suspected they had consumed this counterfeit product..."

By using the word "emphasized," it implies that the council is taking a strong stance and being very clear about the potential risks. This could be seen as a way to gain trust and show that the council is taking the issue seriously. However, it might also be a way to shift responsibility onto individuals, which could be seen as a bias against consumers.

"Those who believe they might have purchased the counterfeit vodka were instructed..."

The use of "believe" here suggests that there is some uncertainty or doubt involved. It could imply that the council is being cautious and not wanting to accuse anyone without evidence. However, it might also be a way to avoid taking responsibility for potential harm caused by the counterfeit vodka. This sentence shows a bias towards protecting the council from potential blame.

The text evokes a range of emotions, primarily aimed at creating a sense of urgency and concern among readers. Fear is a dominant emotion, stemming from the potential harm caused by the counterfeit vodka. The mention of symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness, and headaches, along with the possibility of severe outcomes such as coma or death, instills a strong sense of fear and worry. This fear is heightened by the use of words like "harmful," "dangerous," and "severe," which emphasize the gravity of the situation.

Another emotion present is confusion, arising from the need to identify authentic vodka. The description of an unusual smell and taste, coupled with the instruction to look for a specific laser-etched code, adds an element of uncertainty. This confusion is likely intended to prompt readers to be more vigilant and cautious when consuming alcohol, especially if they suspect they have purchased the counterfeit product.

The text also conveys a sense of responsibility and trust. The Environmental Health team and Food Standards Scotland are portrayed as reliable sources of information, issuing public health warnings and nationwide alerts. This builds trust in the authorities and encourages readers to take their advice seriously. The instruction to contact NHS 24 or emergency services further emphasizes the importance of seeking help and reinforces the idea that the authorities are there to assist and protect the public.

To persuade readers, the writer employs several emotional techniques. Repetition is used to emphasize the danger, with the word "dangerous" appearing twice and the mention of symptoms being repeated to drive home the potential severity of the situation. The use of vivid and descriptive language, such as "unusual smell and taste," helps readers imagine and relate to the experience, increasing their emotional engagement.

Additionally, the writer employs a personal tone, using phrases like "even small amounts" and "if anyone suspected," which creates a sense of direct address and personal relevance. This strategy aims to make the issue feel more immediate and important to each reader, encouraging them to take action and be vigilant. By evoking these emotions and using persuasive techniques, the text effectively guides readers' reactions, prompting them to be cautious, seek help if needed, and spread awareness about the counterfeit vodka.