Whiskey pulled over antifreeze ingredient, but not in U.S. (2024)

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Whiskey pulled over antifreeze ingredient, but not in U.S.? ›

One of the fastest-growing liquor brands in America is being recalled in Europe over an ingredient found in some types of antifreeze. But here in America, it's still on store shelves, CBS News' Vinita Nair reports.

Fireball whiskey, and some other flavored whiskey-like products contain one of the main ingredients of some antifreeze types called propylene glycol. In food products propylene glycol is used as an emulsifier and preservative.

Fireball was recalled due to concerns it contained an ingredient used in antifreeze. This ingredient is propylene glycol, otherwise known as part of the mixture used to de-ice airplanes. In 2014, Fireball was recalled in European countries because propylene glycol levels were deemed too high.

Although it is reported that Fireball has not contained propylene glycol in any of its products since 2018, the association with severe lactic acidosis needs further research.

The Fireballers prepare two versions: a recipe for Canada and the United States containing the chemical, propylene glycol, and a European version that has less of the stuff. Propylene glycol is used for a variety of industrial, cosmetic, and food production uses. In your Prestone Low-Tox, it's an antifreeze.

Propylene glycol is safe for consumption, and the FDA approves its use in food at certain concentrations. It may form up to 97% of the contents of seasonings and flavorings, 24% of confections and frosting, and 5% of alcoholic beverages and nuts/nut products.

In summary, while propylene glycol is not banned in Europe, there are restrictions on its use in certain applications, particularly in products that come into direct contact with the skin and in food and beverages. These regulations aim to protect consumers from potential health risks associated with propylene glycol.

► Propylene Glycol can cause nausea and vomiting. ► Exposure can cause headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, and passing out.

Fireball Whisky is being pulled from shelves in Europe because it contains too much propylene glycol – an additive that prevents evaporation and is a stabilizer in foods. But it's not going anywhere in the United States.

The difference between the two drinks is that Fireball Cinnamon is actually a malt-based beverage with 16.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), while Fireball Cinnamon Whisky is whisky-based and has an ABV of 33%. “The labels look almost identical,” he wrote. “That is intentional.”

Is propylene glycol antifreeze? ›

Propylene glycol is a synthetic liquid substance that absorbs water. Propylene glycol is also used to make polyester compounds, and as a base for deicing solutions. Propylene glycol is used by the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries as an antifreeze when leakage might lead to contact with food.

A: The Pure Rum Flavor does not contain propylene glycol (PG).

The maker of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky has been sued for fraud for selling a beverage that, at a glance, looks like the spicy Fireball spirit famed for its ubiquity at college parties, but which doesn't actually contain much of a key ingredient: whisky.

Fireball is 100% safe to drink. Fireball does not contain any antifreeze at all, and the suggestion is ridiculous. Sadly, this is the media's way of crafting attention grabbing headlines, but it simply is not true.

Turns out it's because there are actually two types of Fireball nips — one that contains whiskey and one that doesn't. “Fireball Cinnamon Whisky” is the same product you would find in a larger Fireball bottle and does contain whiskey.

Fireball is made with Canadian whisky, natural cinnamon flavourings and sweeteners. It has been made in Canada since the mid-1980s, although only rose to the global stage in the last decade. Fireball was originally part of a line of flavoured schnapps developed by Seagram in the mid-1980s.

Most whiskeys must be a minimum of 80 proof (40% ABV) in the bottle. While the process is complicated, the basic ingredients are ancient and simple –– just grain, water, and yeast. Bourbon in particular is highly regulated so that there can be nothing else added–no flavoring, no color, no additives.

Whisky's chemical compounds, in summary

Whisky is made from fermented grain mash and aged in wooden casks. The chemistry of whisky is complex and includes many different flavours and aromas. Whisky contains ethanol, water, esters, aldehydes, ketones, phenols, and other organic molecules.

Ethylene glycol is a potent cause of acute toxicity in humans. In contrast, propylene glycol is a “generally recognized as safe” additive for foods and medications.

In the United States, unless a whisky is labelled as being “straight” (straight bourbon, straight rye, etc..), that whisky may contain up to 2.5% in additives. That additive could be anything, from wine, syrup to peach juice (yes, peach juice) so long as it doesn't significantly change the flavour of the whisky.