Wednesday, October 29, 2014

FIREBALL REASSURES CONSUMERS FOLLOWING RECENT SAFETY CONCERNS

Following a recall and reports that European batches of its self-claimed “tastes like heaven, burns like hell” cinnamon based whisky drink, contain high levels of Propylene Glycol, a chemical found in antifreeze, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky has spoken out to reassure consumers that its product is perfectly safe to drink.

Last week Sazerac, the makers of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, were contacted by its European bottler regarding a small recipe-related compliance issue in Finland.

Fireball Cinnamon Whisky

Fireball accidently shipped batches of its North American formula to Europe and found that one ingredient was out of compliance with EU regulations.

Rules for product formulation are different in the EU, which explains why recipes for products like soft drinks, alcohol/spirits and even candies and confections are slightly different than their North American counterparts.

In addition to being a chemical that is found in antifreeze, Propylene Glycol is regularly used as a flavouring ingredient, and has been used in more than 4,000 food, beverage, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products for more than 50 years.

Commenting on the use of Propylene Glycol, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky said: The ingredient is generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration up to 50 grams per KG. In Canada, its use is limited to "good manufacturing practice" with no defined numerical limit. It is used in the Fireball flavour in very small quantities, less than 1/8th of the amount allowed by US FDA regulations.

The specific batches in question have been recalled in the UK, Finland, Sweden and Norway. Fireball anticipates being back on the shelves for fans in these countries within three weeks. There has been no recall in North America.

Posted by Steve Rush