A batch of popular, cinnamon-flavored Fireball whiskey formulated for North America was mistakenly shipped to Europe, where it promptly sparked a recall due to higher than acceptable levels of propylene glycol. Finland, Sweden and Norway requested the recall after the batches were discovered to be out of compliance with European regulations, according to an article at The Daily Beast. Fireball prepares two versions of the frathouse favorite, one recipe designed for Canada and the U.S. and another for Europe, which contains less of the common antifreeze chemical.
Propylene glycol is generally recognized as safe by the FDA for use in food products, up to 50 grams per kilogram, according to the article. Fireball whiskey in the U.S. contains less than 1/8 the amount allowed by the FDA, and the European formula contains even less. Americans remain undaunted by the presence of the ingredient. In 2013, the article notes, Fireball had $61 million in sales in the U.S., outpacing Jameson Irish whiskey and Patron tequila.