This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
News
Canada considers changing vodka regulations
The Canadian government is proposing to change its regulations for vodka in a bid to enhance exports and promote innovation.
There have been calls for the rules that govern vodka in Canada to be modified
The current standard for vodka in Canada, defined under the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR), monitors what can be labelled as vodka when that product is traded inter-provincially or imported.
However, the standard has not been updated since 1959 and “may not be serving the needs of some industry members or consumers”. There have also been calls for the regulations to be “more inclusive and promote innovation”.
Under the current Canadian vodka standard, vodka must be made from grain or potato spirits, treated with charcoal, and be devoid of distinctive character, aroma or taste.
The proposed changes being considered include: expanding the permitted raw ingredients from potato or grain spirits to any agricultural material, allowing the use of other materials or processes, beyond charcoal, to fully or partially remove character, aroma, or taste.
In addition, the proposal includes the requirement of additional labelling when sources other than potato or grain are used and when some characteristics from the raw ingredients remain in the finished product.
The proposed elements “will bring the Canadian standard into greater alignment with the US and EU approaches”. Currently, the US and the EU allow vodka to be produced from a wider range of raw materials.
Lawmakers believe an update to Canada’s federal vodka standard will “contribute to enhancing economic competitiveness and improve trade between provinces and territories”.
The notice of intent published on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) website states that the proposal will: reduce regulatory burden and enable product innovation, facilitate interprovincial and international trade by harmonising more closely with trading partners and enable distilleries to be more competitive and grow.
Interested parties have until 15 March 2019 to submit comments on the proposed changes.