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Fireball responds to propylene glycol concerns: 'All formulas absolutely safe to drink'

Posted at 9:20 AM, Oct 29, 2014
and last updated 2014-10-29 10:24:39-04

After news spread Tuesday due to a European recall of its popular cinnamon whisky-flavored liqueur, Fireball has responded.

Fireball Whisky wants to assure its consumers the product is perfectly safe to drink, and there is no recall in North America, the company stated in a news release.

The beverage was recalled in Finland, Sweden and Norway after it was found to be out of compliance due to propylene glycol levels. The substance is more strictly regulated in Europe.

Fireball stated that the North American formulation of the drink was shipped to Europe, and those batches have been recalled.

The company anticipates being back on shelves in the three countries that recalled the beverage within three weeks, after its slightly different European recipe is shipped.

Propylene glycol, the ingredient in question, is considered "GRAS," or generally recognized as safe, by the United States Food and Drug Administration. The substance has been used in more than 4,000 food, beverage, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products for more than 50 years, according to the company. 

It is also found in in the liquid used in e-cigarettes and in de-icing agents used in the aviation industry.

According to Amy Preske, Public Relations & Events Manager for Sazerac Company, which manufactures Fireball, there is no safety concern for consumers.

"All Fireball formulas are absolutely safe to drink and the use of propylene glycol in Fireball creates no health risk whatsoever," the company stated in the news release.