Champagne replaced with Ecstasy: Manufacturer's viewpoint, Dutch health warning issued
In a shocking turn of events, a Weiden restaurant was at the centre of a disturbing incident where seven patrons fell ill after consuming a bottle of champagne. Tragically, one of them lost their life, while four others were injured. The incident, which took place in Germany, has been linked to a similar case in the Netherlands, where a private circle was affected.
The bottles in question were of the "Möet & Chandon Ice Imperial" brand, in a 3-liter size, and bore the code "LAJ7QAB6780004" on the label on the back. However, unlike genuine champagne, this liquid did not sparkle or fizz. Instead, it had a red-brown color that darkened over time and emitted an unusual aniseed smell.
The manufacturer, "Möet Hennessy," has confirmed that the issue is not a quality problem, but a criminal case. The bottles were found to have been used by drug dealers. The Weiden prosecution office and investigators from the Federal Police have made a significant breakthrough in this case, dealing a heavy blow against traffickers.
The restaurant, which has reopened, and the innkeeper are in the clear. The acquaintance who sold the bottle had ordered it from an online shop, and the goal of the German and Dutch police is to trace the origin of the bottle.
The Netherlands, it seems, is the "market leader" in the production of Ecstasy, with details of a Dutch case yet to emerge fully. The Dutch and Belgian food safety authorities published warnings last Thursday about special champagne bottles filled with pure MDMA.
In light of these incidents, it is crucial for consumers to be vigilant. Here are some guidelines to help identify fake champagne possibly mixed with MDMA:
- Visual inspection: Check the champagne bottle carefully for inconsistencies in the label, seal, or packaging. Fake products often have spelling errors, misaligned logos, or low-quality printing.
- Unusual appearance or smell: MDMA or other substances added to champagne might alter its clarity, color, or odor. Genuine champagne has a consistent pale to deep gold color and a clean smell without chemical or medicinal notes.
- Taste test: While risky, any odd or chemical taste could indicate adulteration. MDMA itself is usually bitter and may cause a chemical aftertaste if dissolved in the drink.
- Laboratory testing: The most definitive method is chemical analysis (e.g., gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) to detect the presence of MDMA or other drugs. Such testing is not typically available to consumers but can be carried out by authorities or specialized labs.
Prevention, however, focuses largely on avoiding questionable sources rather than consumer-level detection. Here are some ways to prevent consuming fake champagne mixed with MDMA:
- Buy from reputable and authorized sources only. Purchase champagne from established retailers or directly from known producers to minimize the risk of tampering.
- Avoid accepting bottles from unknown or suspicious sources, especially at parties or events where spiking is a known risk.
- Do not share bottles or let others pour drinks for you when you are unsure of the source.
- Be aware that substances like MDMA are generally colorless and tasteless once mixed and hard to detect without testing, so caution is crucial.
- Stay alert and prepared: According to advice on spiking substances, they can be colorless, odorless, and tasteless, necessitating caution when consuming beverages in uncontrolled environments.
In summary, detection by consumers relies mainly on suspicious packaging, odor, or taste cues, but definitive identification requires chemical testing, while prevention depends on sourcing beverages only from trusted, official suppliers and remaining vigilant about drink safety.
- Other than sparkling and fizzing, the suspicious champagne in the health-and-wellness issue from Germany and the Netherlands had a red-brown color that darkened over time and emitted an unusual aniseed smell.
- In the general-news story of the links between a Weiden restaurant incident and a similar case in the Netherlands, the Dutch food safety authorities warned last Thursday about special champagne bottles filled with pure MDMA.
- To prevent consuming fake champagne mixed with MDMA, as advised in the mental-health section, it is crucial to buy from reputable and authorized sources only, and avoid sharing bottles or letting others pour drinks when the source is questionable.
