Popular Gin Recalled Over Potential Chemical Contamination

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.

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