-
FILE | Police seize a large quantity of suspected illicit alcohol, including whiskey, gin, and vodka
The Drinks Federation of South Africa has warned consumers about the growing dangers of illicit alcohol, particularly during the Easter period.
It says fake and counterfeit alcohol can contain harmful substances such as methanol and industrial chemicals, posing serious health risks.
Consumers are urged to buy alcohol from reputable outlets and check products carefully to avoid dangerous drinks.
Head of Research at the Federation, Dr Shamal Ramesar says, “So, when we talk about illicit alcohol in the drinks industry, it comes across four major categories. Now, the first one is the one that we all know, which is your counterfeit and fake alcohol. Alcohol trafficking, which is what you were referring to, in terms of smuggling, hijacking. And then the third type of illicit is alcohol tax fraud. The last one is something that we are familiar with as South Africans. It’s your home brews and your traditional sort of alcohol. And that is why we want to urge all of our consumers out there to make that the products they are purchasing are safe and it’s bought from reputable liquor outlets.”
