Issued By Durham County Council

ALCOPOP SURVEY FINDS CHEMICAL CHAOS

Consumer watchdogs in County Durham discovered a cocktail of failures during a recent survey of trendy 'alcopops'. Samples of this popular style of drinks were analysed and tested to national food law standards. Current food laws do not require the full ingredients of alcoholic drinks like alcopops to be declared. However, food standards irregularities were still found in almost two thirds of the products tested ranging from labelling inadequacies to excessive, or undeclared chemical additives.

Of greater concern were six of the failed alcopop drinks, which contained undeclared Aspartame. This artificial sweetener can create difficulties for consumers affected by Phenylketonuria (PKU).

People with PKU are not able to break down Phenylalanine in their food and have to follow a strict dietary regime, to remain fit and healthy.

Aspartame is known to contain up to 50% Phenylalanine and foods are, therefore required to be labelled with it's presence by food labelling legislation.

Consumers affected by PKU are strongly advised to avoid the following six products that were found to contain undeclared Aspartame:

• Sound Vodka Orange Drink
• Vodka Storm Blueberry
• Maverick Code Red Tequila & Watermelon
• Maverick Code Green Tequila & Lime
• Rum Tribe Lemon & Lime
• Echo Vodka lemon & lime

Officers in Durham are currently working with the Food Standards Agency and other enforcement Authorities to ensure that the manufacturers and suppliers of the failed alcopops rectify the deficiencies found and supply products that meet legal requirements.

Phil Holman the County Council's Head of Consumer Services said: "This survey has highlighted a variety of failings in this type of product. We are particularly concerned that consumption of these drinks could make dietary control more difficult for young people with PKU. We will be taking appropriate action to investigate and rectify the failures we have identified."

Councillor Don Ross, Deputy Leader of the County Council said: " We would advise anyone with this condition to avoid these products and  retailers or wholesalers should check their shelves to ensure these products are removed from sale"

Note to Editors:

• PKU affects approximately 1 in 10,000 of the population.
• If left untreated, PKU can hinder normal development.
• Treatment of this condition consists of restricted diet, based upon fruit and vegetables, and the regular intake of food supplements.
• No young person suffering from PKU, would be unaware of their condition.
• Phenylalanine, is a naturally occurring protein that is found in nearly all foodstuffs. Most people with PKU can only consume very small amounts of this amino-acid.
  

for further information contact Phillip Holman, Head of Consumer Services, on 0191 383 3391, or Duncan Castling, Divisional Manager, on 0191 383 3056