The drink is a favourite in many households
Woman in shop stock photo(Image: Getty Images)
An urgent recall has been issued for a popular €27 alcoholic spirit amid fears it could be laced with glass.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has issued a “do not drink” warning for specific batches of Disaronno Originale 500 Years that come packaged in limited edition bottles. The recall was triggered after concerns that micro-fragments of glass may be present inside the bottles.
Disaronno, marketed as ‘The World’s Favourite Italian Liqueur’, is a favourite in many Irish homes, especially during the festive season.
It is widely available across Irish supermarkets and off-licences, including Tesco, where it is on sale for €27, and Dunnes Stores, where it is currently priced at €25. Retailers have been instructed to immediately remove the affected batches from sale and display recall notices at their point of purchase.
Recall of specific batches of Disaronno Originale 500 Years due to possible presence of micro-fragments of glass(Image: FSAI)
The FSAI said: “The above batches of Disaronno Originale 500 Years in limited edition bottles are being recalled due to possible presence of micro-fragments of glass within the bottle. Recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale. Consumers are advised not to drink the implicated batches.”
The impacted products have batch codes 25371 and 25372.
A spokesperson for Dunnes Stores advised customers not to consume the drink and to return it to any store for a full refund, with no receipt needed. They said: “We apologise that it has been necessary to recall this product and for the inconvenience caused. Customers are advised not to consume this product, instead to return it to a Dunnes Stores store for a full refund. No receipt is required.”
Tesco issued a similar notice, with a spokesperson saying: “Ilva Saronno Spa is recalling two specific batches of the Disaronno 70cl Anniversary Limited Edition. This is because they may contain micro glass fragments. If you’ve bought an affected product, please don’t drink it. Instead, return it to a Tesco store where a full refund will be given. No receipt is required.”
Disaronno is marking its 500th anniversary in 2025. According to its origin story, it’s claimed the drink was gifted to Da Vinci’s pupil and artist Bernardino Luini by a Saronno innkeeper in 1525.
Recognisable by its distinctive Murano glass bottle, Illva Saronno S.p.A says the liqueur “enjoys cult status as an Italian style icon in more than 160 countries worldwide”.