Mexico City — Mexico’s Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) has issued a health alert over adulterated and counterfeit bottles of Gran Centenario reposado tequila being sold through online platforms.
The alert specifically targets the 950-milliliter presentation of Gran Centenario Añejo reposado tequila with lot number L 061 24. According to Cofepris, Casa Cuervo identified irregularities in the product sold via e-commerce sites, though the regulator did not specify whether the distribution occurs through established retailers or social media.
The counterfeit product does not meet sanitary specifications or proper labeling requirements, posing a health risk because the raw materials, production conditions, bottling, storage, and distribution methods are unknown.
“This alert applies only to the product TEQUILA reposado brand GRAN CENTENARIO AÑEJO with lot number L 061 24 and net content of 950 mL,” Cofepris stated.
How to identify counterfeit alcohol
Cofepris recommends consumers check the following before purchasing alcoholic beverages:
- Labels should be high-quality printing, free of spelling errors, and properly adhered.
- The SAT tax stamp and QR code must be placed on the bottle neck or label.
- Seals and closures should show no signs of tampering, breaks, or excess glue.
- Caps should be firm, not loose, and without leaks.
- The bottle itself should be free of dents or scratches.
Required label information
Every bottle label must include:
- Product name
- Country of origin
- Alcohol percentage (% Alc. Vol.)
- Lot number
- Name and address of manufacturer, bottler, or importer
- Warning legends as required by Article 218 of the General Health Law, such as: “Abuse of consumption of these products is harmful to health.”
How to report counterfeit bottles
Anyone who detects a counterfeit or adulterated bottle of Gran Centenario reposado can file a complaint through the government’s sanitary complaints portal. Cofepris has not reported any confirmed cases of people being hospitalized after consuming the product.
“Cofepris will continue sanitary control actions and will promptly inform the public if new evidence is found, in order to prevent health risks from products, services, or establishments that fail to comply with current health legislation,” the agency said.
