Fireball Whisky Recalled Due to Antifreeze Ingredient in 3 Countries
Fireball Cinnamon Whisky is being recalled in Norway, Sweden and Finland over a chemical ingredient that is found in some forms of antifreeze. The sweet flavored drink which is similar to Wrigley’s Big Red chewing gum is made with high levels of propylene glycol in America and Canada. When a batch of the North American recipe was sent to Europe, the European Union insisted on the product being taken off the shelves.
The European Union has much stricter guidelines than in North America. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration say propylene glycol is generally recognized as safe for use in food. It is used in food products due to the fact it absorbs water which enhances flavor. Only one eighth of the propylene glycol amount approved by the FDA is used in Fireball made in North America.
Propylene glycol has more recently been used as an ingredient in antifreeze instead of ethylene glycol which was killing pets that licked up the engine fluid. Even though the FDA feels that the ingredient is relatively safe, the Humane Society warns that it is still “toxic.” The Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry has shared that the ingredient can have toxic effects for those suffering with pre-existing eye or skin conditions.
Europe typically always has tighter regulations for the ingredients in their food products. Recently, azodicarbonamide, found in Subway bread, which is commonly used in yoga mats, was banned in food products in Australia and Europe. Pepsi and Coca-Cola also removed brominated vegetable oil from its sodas in Australia, Europe, India and Japan due to the fact it is prohibited in those countries. Even coloring agents found in soda, candy, and mac-n-cheese are banned in Norway and Australia. But they are all approved by the FDA in the United States.
Sazerac, the company that owns the product Fireball, expects to have the product back on the shelves in these countries in three weeks. The FDA does not plan on banning the drink.