Agreement on allergen labels reached by wine makers

Monday, 15 December 2008

An agreement has been reached between the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) and the local authorities' co-ordinating body to try and minimise costs for wine makers.

The WSTA said that some Southern Hemisphere manufacturers may have had to pay out thousands of extra pounds because of a change to European Union allergen labelling rules.

From the end of May 2009, egg and milk content will have to be referenced on labels, but the WSTA argued this deadline will clash with the harvest in the Southern Hemisphere.

And because of a possible change to this date, from the European Commission, many manufacturers could have to label bottles twice, it added.

Now Lacors, the body for local authorities, has said enforcement officers ought to show pragmatism in relation to the change.

WSTA chief executive Jeremy Beadles said: "We're pleased the regulators are adopting a flexible approach.

"What may seem like a small step to some actually has huge cost implications for Southern Hemisphere wine producers - they shouldn't pay a penalty because their production timetable happens to coincide with the current enforcement date for allergen labelling."

Earlier this month, the WSTA showed concern after the government said it is planning to ban some alcohol promotions.

In November the organisation, which represents producers and retailers, also won its campaign to get more low-alcohol drinks on the shelves.