Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code - Standard 2.7.2 - Beer

Overview

The Standard 2.7.2 Beer, enacted under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (F2008B00652), addresses the need to clearly define what constitutes beer and what additional foods can be incorporated during its manufacturing process. This legislative instrument, established by the Parliament of Australia, aims to provide clarity and consistency in the definition of beer and to outline permissible additions during production to ensure consumer safety and satisfaction. The policy objective behind this standard is to standardise the composition of beer and to facilitate transparency in the beer-making process by specifying allowable ingredients that can be added during production. This helps maintain quality and authenticity in beer products while allowing for some flexibility in the use of specified foods such as cereal products, sugar, salt, herbs, and spices.

Scope and Application

The F2008B00652 Standard 2.7.2 Beer is a legislative instrument that defines the term ‘beer’ within the context of the Australian food industry and sets out the permissible additions during its manufacture. This Standard applies to the production of beer, including ale, lager, pilsener, porter, and stout, which must be characterised by the presence of hops or preparations of hops, prepared by the yeast fermentation of an aqueous extract of malted or unmalted cereals, or both. It applies to entities engaged in the manufacture, processing, and production of beer within Australia. The Standard permits the addition of specific foods during the production of beer, including cereal products or other sources of carbohydrate, sugar, salt, herbs, and spices. These provisions are designed to ensure consistency and quality in the beer manufacturing process while providing flexibility in the ingredients that can be used. The Standard references other related provisions, such as Standard 1.3.1 on Food Additives and Standard 1.3.3 on Processing Aids, as well as Standard 2.7.1 on Labelling of Alcoholic Beverages and Food containing Alcohol, to provide a comprehensive regulatory framework for the industry. This Standard extends its reach to the entire Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring uniform compliance across all states and territories.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this Standard, particularly Section 2.7.2, define the term "beer" and specify what constitutes beer, including references to ale, lager, pilsener, porter, and stout (section 1). It also permits the addition of certain foods during the manufacture of beer, such as cereal products or other sources of carbohydrate, sugar, salt, herbs, and spices (section 2). The Standard is clear in its definition of beer, ensuring that all products falling under this category are properly identified and regulated. It also provides flexibility in the production process by allowing specified additions, which must adhere to other related standards such as those concerning food additives, processing aids, and labelling. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs include ensuring that any product marketed as beer adheres to the definition provided in Section 1. This means that manufacturers must use hops or preparations of hops and an aqueous extract of malted or unmalted cereals, or both, in their production process. Additionally, when adding other foods during production, manufacturers must comply with the provisions outlined in Standard 1.3.1 regarding food additives and Standard 1.3.3 concerning processing aids. These requirements ensure that the beer produced is safe for consumption and that any added ingredients are properly regulated and declared. In terms of consequences for breach, the Act does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences within the provided text. However, non-compliance with food standards generally could result in legal action, fines, or other penalties as stipulated in broader food safety and quality legislation. Manufacturers who fail to adhere to the defined standards for beer production or the permitted additions during production may face enforcement actions, including product recalls, injunctions, or other regulatory measures. These potential consequences underscore the importance of strict adherence to the provisions set forth in the Standard to avoid legal repercussions and ensure consumer safety.