Fireball hits back at ‘antifreeze’ chemical claims

Fireball Cinnamon Whisky has hit back at claims the product is not safe for consumption due to the high levels of propylene glycol it contains – a chemical found in antifreeze.

Fireball Cinnamon Whisky released a statement reassuring customers the spirit is “perfectly safe”

According to Fox News, Finnish officials said that while the liqueur is prepared in accordance with North American food regulations, it does not meet the stricter requirements of the European Union.

As a result, stores in Finland, Sweden and Norway have been recalling the liqueur from their shelves.

However, according to the brand the breach in regulations was the result of a mis-shipment of the North American Fireball recipe to Europe.

In response, Fireball has released a statement reassuring consumers “the product is perfectly safe to drink”.

“Last week Sazerac, the makers of Fireball, was contacted by its European bottler regarding a small recipe-related compliance issue in Finland,” it read. “The ingredient in question was propylene glycol (PG). PG is a regularly used and perfectly safe flavouring ingredient.

“PG has been used in more than 4,000 food, beverage, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products for more than 50 years. Most people consume PG every day in soft drinks, sweeteners, some foods or alcoholic beverages.

“All Fireball formulas are absolutely safe to drink and the use of PG in Fireball creates no health risk whatsoever.

“There is no recall in North America. Fireball fans can continue to enjoy their favourite product as they always have.”

The US Food and Drug Administration has deemed propylene glycol as an additive “generally recognised as safe” to be used in consumer products such as food, animal food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, plus industrial products.

The amount used in Fireball is less than one eighth of the amount allowed by US FDA regulations.