Eu revised reference method for alcoholic beverage analysis

Official Journal of the European Union, 21 February 2023 - On 16 February the European Commission adopted (EU) Implementing Regulation 2023/383 amending (EC) No 2870/2000 reference method for the analysis of alcoholic beverages and repealing (EEC) Regulation No 2009/92, The Regulation, which establishes the method of analysis for ethanol of agricultural origin in the preparation of alcoholic beverages, aromatized wines, aromato-based beverages and cocktails of aromatized wine products, enters into force on the 20th day after its publication. The main elements are as follows: (1) (EC) No 2870/2000 is amended as follows: This regulation applies to agricultural ethanol as defined in Article 5 of the European Parliament and of the Council (EU) 2019/787; The EU reference analytical method for ethanol of agricultural origin shall be that provided for in the annex to this Regulation; Ethanol of agricultural origin shall be treated as a distillate whose alcohol content shall be measured directly in accordance with Appendix II of Chapter I of Annex I. However, when the alcohol sample is not clarified or suspended particles are visible, the sample should be distilled; For the determination of volatile substances, calibration with a standard solution C prepared with anhydrous ethanol shall be required to achieve an appropriate matrix match between the sample and the standard solution as detailed in Annex 5, Chapter III.2. For the determination of furfural, ethanol from agricultural sources should be diluted twice with water to double its initial volume and reach a volume alcohol concentration compatible with the calibrated solution, as described in Chapter X of the Annex;  (2) Repeal (EEC) No 2009/92; (3) The Regulation applies directly to all Member States.