Dutch brewers are advocating for standardized European regulations concerning the labeling of alcohol-free beer, aiming to mitigate unfair competition and alleviate consumer confusion surrounding the term “alcohol-free.”
In the Netherlands, beverages classified as alcohol-free beer may contain as much as 0.1% alcohol, while alcohol-free wine can reach up to 0.5%. Products with alcohol volumes up to 1.2% are labeled as “alcohol arm” or “alcohol poor.” However, across Europe, variations exist; Belgium and Germany deem beer with 0.5% volume as alcohol-free, whereas in Spain and Italy, the threshold extends to 1% and 1.2%, respectively.
This disparity leads to the sale of beverages labeled as “alcohol-free” in the Netherlands, which may contain over 1% alcohol, sparking concerns of unfair competition among Dutch brewers.
European regulations permit beverages with 0.5% alcohol to be termed “non-alcoholic,” prompting some Dutch brewers to opt for the English designation due to restrictions on the use of “alcohol-free.”
Anne Lutgerink of the Voedingscentrum highlighted the confusion surrounding labeling, particularly for consumers abstaining from alcohol, stating, “The terminology suggests something that is not true. It’s very confusing.”
While acknowledging the confusion, brewers contend that adherence to regulations remains paramount. Jos Oostendorp, chairman of Craft, representing 200 small breweries, stressed the need for clarity in labeling, underscoring consumer interests.
Efforts to establish a standardized labeling system involve discussions among brewery trade associations across Europe. However, resistance from German brewers has hindered progress thus far, though there remains optimism for future consensus.
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) will evaluate the use of the term “non-alcoholic” on Dutch beers to ascertain if it is misleading.
A spokesperson from the health ministry advised consumers to scrutinize labels for precise alcohol content or opt for the 0.0% variety to ensure compliance with personal preferences or health requirements.
