title: A Comprehensive Review of Spirit Drink Safety Standards and Regulations from an International Perspective.
abstract: Standards and regulations related to spirit drinks have been established by different countries and international organizations to ensure the safety and quality of spirits. Here, we introduce the principles of food safety and quality standards for alcoholic beverages and then compare the key indicators used in the distinct standards of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the European Union, the People's Republic of China, the United States, Canada, and Australia. We also discuss in detail the "maximum level" of the following main contaminants of spirit drinks: methanol, higher alcohols, ethyl carbamate, hydrocyanic acid, heavy metals, mycotoxins, phthalates, and aldehydes. Furthermore, the control measures used for potential hazards are introduced. Harmonization of the current requirements based on comprehensive scope analysis and the risk assessment approach will enhance both the trade and quality of distilled spirits. This review article provides valuable information that will enable producers, traders, governments, and researchers to increase their knowledge of spirit drink safety requirements, control measures, and research trends.
authors.affiliation: Beijing Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, P.O. Box 398, No. 17 Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Xiao-Na
authors.initials: XN
authors.lastname: Pang
authors.affiliation: Beijing Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, P.O. Box 398, No. 17 Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Zhao-Jie
authors.initials: ZJ
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Beijing Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, P.O. Box 398, No. 17 Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Jing-Yu
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Center for Physical and Chemical Analysis, No. 27 North Xisanhuan Road, Beijing 100089, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Li-Juan
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.affiliation: Beijing Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, P.O. Box 398, No. 17 Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Bei-Zhong
authors.initials: BZ
authors.lastname: Han
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D001628:Beverages / Q000592:standards*; D002170:Canada; D002681:China; D059022:Food Safety; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D014481:United States
keywords: Contaminant; Food additive; Harmonization; Regulation; Spirit drink; Standard