Popular Gin Recalled Over Potential Chemical Contamination

Oxford Arms Gin

Oxford Arms Gin was recalled over allegations of styrene contamination. (Photo: Food Standards Australia/Instagram)

7 News reported on Friday that Pinnacle Drinks issued a recall for Oxford Arms London Dry Gin in Australia due to a potential chemical contamination with styrene. The Australian news outfit divulged that the 37%-ABV gin was sold at BWS, Dan Murphy’s and Woolworths e-commerce store in 700-milliliter bottles.

The potentially contaminated batch was No. L3 236.

The Australian news channel urged consumers not to drink the gin and immediately return it for a refund.

“Food products containing chemical contamination may cause injury if consumed,” the warning read according to 7 News. “Consumers should not drink this product.”

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences describes styrene as a “highly volatile” liquid used to make different types of plastics and rubber. The organization reports that styrene has a sweet odor and is considered a carcinogen.

The CDC reports that exposure to styrene can cause lethargy, concentration problems and balance problems. Many workers who regularly are exposed to the chemicals, particularly in plastics and resin manufacturing, might face health effects such as those listed above.

When Contaminated Liquor Has Deadly Repercussions

Reports of contaminated liquor should be taken seriously, as sometimes imbibing tainted booze can have deadly effects.

In June, an incident of methanol-tainted liquor led to the death of 17 individuals and the hospitalization of 191 people. The individuals were sentenced to death in September.

Another instance in January made media headlines after news broke out that tainted liquor killed three people in Iran. The country currently rigorously enforces prohibition, which unfortunately has yielded a robust underground liquor market. Sometimes, bootleg liquor producers end up making tainted booze which can kill.

Join the Whiskey Raiders Bottle of the Month Club, where you will receive hard-to-find bottles curated by Whiskey Raiders staff with a 90+ rating on whiskeyraiders.com plus live virtual tastings. Sign up here!

Filed Under:

Follow The Daily Pour:

About The Daily Pour

Founded by Dan Abrams, The Daily Pour is the ultimate drinking guide for the modern consumer, covering spirits, non-alcoholic and hemp beverages. With its unique combination of cross-category coverage and signature rating system that aggregates reviews from trusted critics across the internet, The Daily Pour sets the standard as the leading authority in helping consumers discover, compare and enjoy the best of today's evolving drinks landscape.

Cynthia Mersten is an Editor for Bottle Raiders and has worked in the Beverage Industry for eight years. She started her career in wine and spirits distribution and sold brands like Four Roses, High West and Compass Box to a variety of bars and restaurants in the city she calls home: Los Angeles. Cynthia is a lover of all things related to wine, spirits and story and holds a BA from UCLA’s School of Theatre, Film and Television. Besides writing, her favorite pastimes are photography and watching movies with her husband.