How to recognize adulterated alcohol by its label in Colombia?

With the arrival of the holidays, spaces for the illegal production of alcoholic beverages begin to emerge. This action is not only punishable by law, but also represents a serious risk to collective health. Given this situation, land We indicate how you can be alert and not expose yourself to unnecessary risks.

“The Ministry of Security (SDSCJ) makes different recommendations for citizens to identify the stamp, the origin and the appearance of the liquid”they maintain from the official website of the Mayor’s Office of Bogotá.

For its part, both in the capital of Colombia and in Cundinamarca, by regulation, all liquor distributed in the capital and municipalities of the department must have marketing authorization seals and decals.

Check labels for adulterated alcohol:

1. Check the QR code on the label and verify the number on it matches the virtual consultation of the Cundinamarca Liquor Company.

2. Product capacity

3. Bar-code

4. Product name

5. Alcohol level

6. The stamp must be attached, in good condition, to the neck of the bottle

7. Buy liquor in safe and authorized places

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“Touching an original stamp is related to contact with the paper with which the bills are made; while the stamps that are counterfeit are much smoother and are related to the material of conventional paper.”said Fernando Pedraza, technical operator of the Cundinamarca Treasury Secretariat.

So far, more than 23,059 liters of alcoholic beverages have been inspected in establishments suspected of carrying out this type of manufacturing.

Of these, In the last month, almost 400 liters in poor condition have been destroyeddistributed as follows: 73% beer, 14% cocktails, 6.2% wines, 3.9% liqueur creams, 1.3% sabajón, 0.7% vodka and 0.2% brandy.

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What are the consequences of consuming spoiled alcohol?

There are different health risks that consuming this drink could bring, according to the Mayo Clinic, and they are these:

-Severe poisoning

-Irreversible blindness

-Damage to vital organs such as liver and kidneys

-In extreme cases, it can cause death

On the other hand, if you suspect that a drink is adulterated, it is best not to consume it and report any irregularities to the competent authorities.