Bombay Sapphire gin recalled in Canada for containing too much alcohol

Affected batch believed to have been sold only in Canada and no gin-related illnesses have been reported.

Drinkers of mother's ruin in Canada may be in for a shock, after a batch of the popular gin Bombay Sapphire was found to contain 77% alcohol – almost twice the advertised strength.

Ontario's Liquor Control Board first spotted the anomaly, which was traced back to the production line, before the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) ordered the recall of numerous bottles. Four other provinces followed suit, warning citizens to steer clear of the juniper-infused spirit.

"One batch was bottled before correct dilution to achieve the stated 40% alcohol content by volume," the Ontario Liquor Control Board said in a statement

"As a result, the affected batch has alcohol content by volume of 77%."

Bermuda-based drinks giant Bacardi, which distributes Bombay Sapphire, said the issue is believed to have affected a batch sold only in Canada.

The CFIA added the recalled gin should either be returned to the shop where it was purchased or disposed of altogether, although it stated no gin-related illnesses have so far been reported.

It is the second time this year that Canadian authorities have been forced to recall a spirit that did not comply with guidelines.

In March, inspectors found bottles of a batch of Georgian Bay vodka contained 81% alcohol, rather than the advertised 40%, and subsequently pulled them off the shelves.