EU Laws - Overall Summary Flashcards
What are the mandatory analysis parameters for wine compliance in the EU?
- Alcohol content
- Residual sugar
- Total and free sulfur dioxide (SO₂: <150 mg/L for red wines, <200 mg/L for white and rosé wines)
- pH and acidity levels (total acidity >4.5 g/L as tartaric acid)
- Volatile acidity (<1.2 g/L for red wines, <1.08 g/L for white wines)
- Stability tests (if required).
What must be included in the mandatory labeling of EU wine products?
- Wine category (PDO, PGI, or varietal)
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV, rounded to one decimal point)
- Ingredient list (including allergens like “Contains Sulfites” for SO₂ >10 mg/L)
- Energy content (mandatory, per 100ml)
- Lot number or batch code for traceability.
How can digital labeling be used under EU wine labeling laws?
- Optional use of QR codes to provide full ingredient and nutrition details.
- Allergens (e.g., sulfites >10 mg/L) must still appear on the physical label.
What is the distinction between ingredients and processing aids in winemaking?
- Ingredients: Substances intentionally added and present in the final product (e.g., sulfites).
- Processing Aids: Substances used during production that do not remain in significant amounts in the final product (e.g., fining agents).
What implications do recent EU labeling changes have for consumers?
- Improved transparency for informed choices.
- Enhanced allergen awareness for safety.
- Potential for consumer confusion with technical terms.
As a QC manager, what should you focus on for chemical analysis during a bottling audit?
- Verify compliance with alcohol content.
- SO₂ (free SO₂ <50 mg/L).
- pH and acidity (>4.5 g/L).
- Residual sugar (e.g., dry wines <4 g/L).
- Ensure analysis meets EU regulatory thresholds.
Why is traceability critical in wine production and bottling?
- Enables quick identification and recall of affected batches.
- Mandatory inclusion of lot numbers or batch codes on labels.
What are key hygiene considerations during bottling?
- Equipment sterilization.
- Monitoring microbial activity.
- Minimizing oxygen exposure to prevent spoilage.
What should you check for labeling compliance during a bottling audit?
- Accurate inclusion of allergens and ingredients.
- Proper QR code functionality for digital labels.
- Compliance with font size and legibility requirements.
What sustainability practices should a QC manager assess?
- Use of eco-friendly materials in packaging.
- Adoption of bulk transport solutions like flexitanks.
- Alignment with corporate sustainability goals.
What are the potential risks of ignoring EU labeling and analysis requirements?
- Legal penalties for non-compliance.
- Consumer complaints or recalls due to mislabeling.
- Damage to brand reputation.
What are the nutritional labeling requirements for wine under recent EU regulations?
- Mandatory inclusion of energy content per 100ml.
- Optional inclusion of full nutrition tables.
- Nutrition data can be provided digitally via QR code.
Why must allergens always appear on the physical wine label?
- Allergen labeling (e.g., “Contains Sulfites” for SO₂ >10 mg/L) is mandatory for consumer safety.
- Ensures visibility for consumers with allergies or sensitivities.
What are the traceability requirements for EU wine labels?
- Inclusion of lot numbers or batch codes on all labels.
- Enables efficient recalls and quality checks.
What quality control measures should be audited for bottling procedures?
- Hygiene standards (e.g., equipment sterilization).
- Accurate chemical analysis of alcohol content.
- SO₂ (free SO₂ <50 mg/L).
- pH and sugar levels (dry wines <4 g/L).
- Proper closure integrity and packaging durability.