Nutritional Labelling on wines and alcoholic beverages according to new European Union Regulations

Consumers today have become increasingly discerning, seeking more information, and demanding greater transparency in their purchases. Their expectations revolve around convenience, product diversity, and a heightened concern for factors such as food quality, personal health, and environmental impact. This evolving trend emphasizes the need for companies to adapt and meet these growing demands in many areas of food safety including nutritional labelling.

What is nutritional information?

It is the information about the energy intake (calorie) and nutrient content that appears on food and drink labels. It is also called nutritional labelling.

What is a nutrient?

A substance normally consumed as a component of a food, which:

• provides energy, or/and
• is necessary for growth, development, and maintenance of life, or/and
• whose attention will cause chemical or physiological changes to occur in our body, even affecting our health.

Regardless of how nutritional information was obtained, food companies must declare values on the label that are as accurate as possible, approximating the average values of multiple batches of food.

Since December 13, 2016, with the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of October 25, 2011, it is mandatory that nutritional information appears on the labelling of most processed foods The objective is to pursue a high level of consumer health protection and guarantee their right to information so that consumers make informed decisions.

Why is the need for nutritional labelling on wine and alcoholic beverages now?

The first official communication from the EU dates back to 2016. The EU Decision is based on the changes that are coming from the CAP (the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy), social pressure on the safety and quality of the products we consume and the desire to maintain transparency in the information provided to the consumer.

Since when will the nutritional declaration on wines be mandatory in the EU?

From December 8, 2023

Which products will be affected?

It will affect all wines and alcoholic beverages produced and/or marketed within the EU, even if they come from outside the EU.

The proper management and labeling of the wines and alcoholic beverages will be the responsibility of the wineries, alcoholic beverages producers and importers themselves.

What type of information should the label contain?

• The current labelling requirements
• List of ingredients
• Nutritional declaration per 100 ml
• Health warning statements, responsible consumption, sustainability certificates, information on recycling…etc.

Contents of the new label: Nutritional Declaration and Ingredients

The declaration of nutritional properties will be governed according to the Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 and will require basic labeling of macro-elements contained in the wine and alcoholic beverage, including the energy value.

Minimum nutritional properties to declare (expressed per 100 ml):

• The energy value
• Fat content
• Carbohydrate content
• Sugar content
• Fiber content
• Protein content

At AGQ Labs South Africa, we specialize in nutritional analysis and offer a comprehensive package of nutritional value assessments for the wine sector and other alcoholic beverages in South Africa, in full compliance with the latest regulations.

Our services are specifically tailored to meet the needs of wine producers and exporters. We provide detailed nutritional analysis for wines and alcoholic beverages, ensuring compliance with regulations. Additionally, we offer allergen analysis for wines and alcoholic beverages, addressing the diverse requirements of our clients in the industry.

Contact us today and discover the advantages of having AGQ Labs as your laboratory testing partner.