Tests reveal the “very dangerous” chemical found in Aussie alcohol recall
Last month, Food Standards Australia recalled eight different brands of spirits distributed by GJ Wholesale due to possible contamination.
Now, the NSW Food Authority has revealed that the “very dangerous” chemical in the products is tert-butanol.
“Tert-butanol is a foul smelling and foul tasting denaturant which is added to ethanol to make it unfit to drink,” a spokesperson for the authority told nine.com.au
“Tert-butanol is also a very dangerous product in its own right.”
The symptoms of consuming tert-butanol include vomiting, nausea and headaches according to the World Health Organisation, reports nine.com.au.
The recalled brands are 700ml bottles of Veruschka Vodka, Mississippi Bourbon, Los Cabos Tequila, Yachtsman White Rum, Mudgee Rum, Barman’s Choice Whisky, Hunters Brandy and Her Choice Gin.
All brands include a label that states, “Supplied to and bottled in Australia for GJ Wholesale.”
The spokesman said the NSW Food Authority and the Australian Tax Authority would be investigating if enforcement action will be carried out.
If you’ve purchased any of the recalled products, you can return the product and receive a full refund.
For further information, customers are advised to contact GJ Wholesale on 0411 150 254, and if you’ve consumed these spirits recently, please seek medical advice.