Mexico’s Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) has issued a nationwide health alert warning consumers about the circulation of counterfeit alcoholic beverages and a falsified cancer medication.
The health watchdog flagged counterfeit bottles of the popular Tequila Don Julio 70 Añejo Cristalino (700 ml) and Buchanan’s Deluxe Blended Scotch Whisky (750 ml). Following an investigation that involved cooperation with the brands’ parent company, Diageo México, Cofepris warned that these fraudulent spirits pose severe health risks. Because they operate entirely outside legal channels, the raw materials used and the conditions under which they were bottled, stored, and distributed remain entirely unknown.
To help consumers avoid dangerous knockoffs, Cofepris highlighted specific irregularities. Counterfeit Don Julio 70 bottles can be identified by the complete absence of a batch number and a security strip crudely attached to the cap using commercial adhesive. For Buchanan’s Deluxe, the fake products feature labels that are not authorized for the Mexican market. Furthermore, authorities noted that batch number L5089CE00100054481 belongs to legitimate merchandise intended strictly for export to another country, not for domestic sale.
In addition to the spirits, Cofepris sounded the alarm on counterfeit batches of Vectibix (Panitumumab, 100mg/5ml), an injectable drug crucial for treating certain types of cancer. The agency stressed that these fake vials fail to guarantee required standards of quality, safety, or efficacy, deeply compromising patient health.
Cofepris urged the public to meticulously inspect products before purchase. Safe bottles must have intact caps and security seals free of glue residue, clear printing, legible batch numbers, and a clear tax stamp featuring a QR code from Mexico’s Tax Administration Service (SAT). Any suspected counterfeit items should be reported immediately to the federal agency.
Source: SIPSE
