How to Check if Your Alcohol Is Genuine or Fake in Kenya

Kenya has been facing issues with people being sold counterfeit alcohol because they do not know how to check if it is genuine, or just because of ignorance.

Counterfeit alcohol can pose serious health risks to consumers and, in extreme cases, it can even cause death because of what it does to the body.

While counterfeit alcohol may look the same as original ones, consumers are encouraged to check labels and compare, and also be on the lookout for extremely low prices.

In recent days, the Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya (ABAK) warned people against selling counterfeit alcohol and promised to engage various authorities to deal with the matter.

How To Know Fake Alcohol

The first step in making sure the alcohol you buy is genuine is getting it from authorised retailers and distributors only; getting it from unauthorised personnel increases the chances that the alcohol is counterfeit.

There is a published list of authorised distributors and retailors whom are guaranteed to sell genuine alcohol. A few include: Stemar Wholesale, Idhano Distributors, Rwathia Distributors, among others.

Also Read: Drinking Contest Turns Tragic as Man Dies Hours After 750ml Alcohol Challenge

After getting alcohol from anywhere, first check the KRA excise stamp on the alcohol and scan to determine if it is fake or genuine.

A person can use the Soma Label app to scan the stamp, which confirms whether the alcohol is genuine and safe to consume or if it is fake and harmful.

If It Is Fake, Report

However, while scanning, do not scan the barcode, which will not tell if the alcohol is counterfeit but will show other unrelated items and products.

If a person discovers that the excise stamp is not genuine after scanning, they can report it through the same app, which will be followed up.

This is to prevent any harm to the body that can be caused by consuming counterfeit alcohol, which can cause alcohol poisoning, stomach infections, and, in extreme cases, death.

Also Read: Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya Addresses Counterfeit Alcohol Concerns

Counterfeit alcohol may also contain harmful substances such as methanol, an industrial alcohol that can cause severe alcohol poisoning.

Symptoms of methanol poisoning include headache, dizziness, vomiting, blurred vision, difficulty breathing, and confusion

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Some alcohol brands in Kenya
PHOTO/EABL