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    8. Safety Parameters
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    8. Safety Parameters

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    Whisky
    EU


    This section provides the safety parameters (microbiological, contaminants, heavy metals, pesticides, veterinary residues, and food contact materials).

    8.1 Microbiological Standards


    Provision, Limits, Testing Methods

    Foodstuffs/General Food


    Two types of microbiological criteria are set out in Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005 [1] (as amended) and include criteria for both pathogens and indicator organisms by specific food categories:


    • Food safety criteria defining the acceptability of a product or a batch. They are applicable to foodstuffs placed on the market and throughout the shelf-life of the food.

     

    • Process hygiene criteria defining the acceptability of the process. These apply only during the manufacturing process.


    There are no criteria for generic foods.

    Category

    Alcoholic beverages

    		According to Regulation (EC) 2073/2005 [1]: Listeria monocytogenes; Limits: 100 cfu/g; Testing Method: EN/ISO 11290-2. 
    However, regular testing against the criterion is not required in normal circumstances for spirits.
    Product
    Whisky

    Same as "Category" above.

    8.2 Contaminants and Heavy Metals


    Provision, Limits, Testing Methods

    Foodstuffs/General Food

    According to Regulation (EU) 2023/915 [2].

    Category

    Alcoholic beverages

    Spirit drinks: Patulin 50 μg/kg 

    Some other specific requirements are applicable to wine and wine products.
    Product
    Whisky

    Same as "Category" above.

    8.3 Pesticides


    Provision, Limits, Testing Methods

    Foodstuffs/General Food


    According to Regulation (EC) 396/2005 [3], maximum residue levels of pesticides in food are defined, and apply to agricultural commodities.

    The EU has a database of pesticides [4] with their Maximum Residue Levels in food products.

    Category

    Alcoholic beverages

    None for the final product; however, maximal levels of pesticides apply to raw material ingredients.

    Product
    Whisky

    		None for the final product; however, maximal levels of pesticides apply to raw material ingredients such as barley.

    8.4 Veterinary Standards


    Provision, Limits, Testing Methods

    Foodstuffs/General Foods


    As set by Regulation (EC) 853/2004 [5].

    Category

    Alcoholic beverages

    N/A

    Product
    Whisky    		Same as "Category" above.

    8.5 Food Contact Materials

    Please refer to the other reports on packaging requirements for food contact materials and packaging requirements for food contact materials (hygiene standard).

    8.6 References

    1. Regulation (EC) 2073/2005 of 15 November 2005

    http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2005/2073/2020-03-08

    2. Regulation (EU) 2023/915 of 25 April 2023

    http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/915/2025-01-01

    3. Regulation (EC) 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 February 2005

    http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2005/396/2025-01-08

    4. EU database of pesticides

    EU Pesticides Database - Products (europa.eu)

    5. Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004

    http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2004/853/2024-11-09



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