Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey pulled from shelves over anti-freeze ingredient propylene glycol

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Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, the 33 per cent proof drink that claims to “burns like hell”, has been pulled from shelves across Europe after it was found to contain too high levels of a chemical also used in anti-freeze.

Bottles of the drink have been recalled across Finland, Sweden and Norway for containing levels of the chemical propylene glycol that break EU regulations.

Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, which in its own branding claims it “Tastes like heaven, burns like hell,” was recalled from shelves after its maker, Sazerac, was found to have shipped batches of the whisky using its North American formula to its European suppliers, causing the breech of regulatory levels of the chemical.

The brand insists all of its formulas are “absolutely safe to drink” and that the use of propylene glycol in its drinks “creates no health risks whatsoever,” adding that “most people consume propylene glycol every day in soft drinks, sweeteners, some foods and alcoholic beverages”.

Propylene glycol is regularly used as a flavouring ingredient in drinks and food as E-1520, and is found in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, but regulations of its use differ between the US and the EU.

In the US, the chemical is “generally recognised as safe” by the Food and Drug Administration, and Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey claims up to 50 grams per kilogram can be used, though it states it uses far less in its drink.

In Europe, the maximum use of the chemical is 3,000 milligrams per kilogram.

The chemical is also found in automotive and air-craft anti-freeze, for its ability to lower the freezing point of water.

In a statement, the Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey said: “Unfortunately, Fireball shipped its North American formula to Europe and found that one ingredient is out of compliance with European regulations.

“Finland, Sweden and Norway have asked to recall those specific batches, which is what the brand is doing. Fireball anticipates being back on the shelves for fans in those countries within three weeks.”

The brand stated it is not being recalled in North America.