Singapore releases alcohol labeling requirements

In response to the request for the importation of alcoholic beverages, the Agricultural Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) of Singapore recently issued a notice requiring all alcoholic beverage importers and agents to notify the alcoholic beverage label. AVA has noticed that the labels of some alcoholic beverages sold in Singapore do not meet the labeling requirements specified in Article 5 of the Food Regulations of the country. The following labeling requirements have been formulated for this purpose:

1. All prepackaged foods imported into Singapore for sale, including alcoholic beverages, must be affixed with the correct English label. The following basic information should be clearly marked in English in the prominent position of the label. The height of printed letters should not be less than 1.5mm.

(a) an acceptable common name or trade name sufficient to indicate the true nature of the product;

(b) product volume;

(c) The name of the country of origin and the name and address of the importer, distributor or agent in Singapore.

2. Section 6(3) of the Food Regulations exempts the declaration of the ingredients of alcoholic beverages (including beer).

3. Accept additional label texts in other languages ​​as long as the information does not contradict English information and does not violate the Food Regulations.

4. Importers should ensure that all statements made on their food (including the alcohol content of alcoholic beverages) are true and can be confirmed by laboratory analysis. The importer should also remember that the statement used should not mislead the consumer or violate the food regulations.

5. Before the food enters the market for sale, the importer should also perform due diligence to ensure that its food is fully compliant with the standards and labeling requirements of the Food Regulations. It is illegal to provide such information. If convicted, the offender will be subject to the general penalties prescribed in Chapter 49 of the Food Sales Act. for