Changes in alcohol. They will come into effect after the weekend

In February, according to regulation Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Developmentthe rules for providing information about alcoholic beverages have changed. The new regulations specify which drinks are called “nalewka” and include the obligation to provide actual alcohol content in drinks offered in cafes and bars.

Producer time was given until August 19 to change labels to new standards. Products released on the market before this date, marked as “tincture”, can be sold while stocks last, even if does not meet the new requirements.

The rest of the article is below the video

EU regulations regarding the labeling of spirit drinks they have no concept “tincture”. This is a specific Polish term related to traditional Polish drinks. Tinctures are typical alcoholic beverages made from alcohol ethyl of agricultural origin. The main stage of production is plant ingredients – such as herbs, walnuts, pine shoots and various flowers and fruits – in ethyl alcohol, which gives the tinctures their special aroma.

To protect the reputation of the name “tincture”the minister’s regulation specifies detailed requirements that must be met for a drink to qualify for this name:

• using traditional production methods that exclude colors, flavors, fruit juices and concentrates and wine products,
• the minimum maceration time, depending on the raw materials used,
• possibility of adding the name “tincture” with the name of the strongest flavor that comes from the raw material used for maceration, eg cherry tincture, when the main flavor ingredients are macerated cherries.

The new rules also include an obligation to provide the correct alcohol content in drinks served in catering establishments, such as restaurants, pubs and bars. This obligation applies to all alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content higher than 1.2%. volume.

As a result of these changes, consumers will be able to better understand the composition of the alcoholic beverages they consume. It is also worth noting that this obligation does not cover drinks and cocktails prepared according to the customer’s order.