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Results of inspections of burčák and partially fermented grape must (PFGM) sampled in the 2023 marketing season showed a slightly higher number of non-compliant samples compared to the results in previous three years. Six samples out of 47 - about one in eight - failed to meet legal requirements when assessed in the laboratory.

Last season, inspectors of the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (CAFIA) carried out a total of 287 inspections of burčák and PFGM. They inspected a total of 234 points of sale, and in 47 cases they took samples for an analysis in the laboratory.

Comprehensive laboratory analysis showed unsatisfactory parameters in 6 samples. The analyses showed deficiencies in following parameters:

• Unauthorised addition of water (adulteration, proven addition of exogenous water) – 1 case
• Geographical origin of the grapes (for product labelled as burčák) other than the Czech Republic - 1 case
• Presence of allergenic substance SO2 (missing information on the label) - 2 cases
• Alcohol content under limit - 2 cases

For an overview of all the compliant and non-compliant samples evaluated during the inspection activity, see the Food Pillory website and its Thematic controls section.

The inspectors carried out inspections both at sellers and producers as well, especially at those whose samples had failed to meet the requirements of legislation in the past, and they also focused on new sellers who had not been tested so far, where stall sales predominated. Such sampling is also increasingly carried out at the initiative of consumers.

In the previous season 2022, inspectors took 52 samples for the laboratory analysis and failed 4 of them, in 2021 also 52 samples were evaluated and 1 sample failed, and in 2020, 59 samples were evaluated in the laboratory, out of which 5 samples failed.

When inspecting burčák and PFGM, CAFIA focuses, among other things, on the so-called sensory requirements - the inspectors assess the taste, aroma and colour of the product, proper labelling of the goods for the consumer, appropriate accompanying documentation proving the origin of the goods, and sales hygiene. These parameters are evaluated on the spot.

During sampling, the accredited CAFIA laboratory in Brno verifies the geographical origin of the grapes from which the burčák in question was produced. This verification is performed by means of the isotope ratios of stable isotopes of hydrogen, which are measured by nuclear magnetic resonance, and the isotope ratios of stable isotopes of oxygen and carbon, which are measured by means of a mass spectrometer. The presence of, for example, synthetic dyes, ethanol from added sugar, the amount of water added, the alcohol content, the sulphur dioxide content, etc. are also monitored.

Burčák is a traditional term protected by national legislation, the use of which is reserved for partially fermented grape must made from grapes harvested and processed in the Czech Republic in a given year and the sales season is limited to the period from 1 August to 30 November. Any misuse of the traditional term "burčák" is considered to be misleading of consumers and in such cases the CAFIA initiates administrative proceedings and imposes a fine.

Article by: Marek Bartík – Media Communication Officer

14^th February 2024