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The results of the inspections of “burčák” and partially fermented grape must (PFGM) during the 2024 sales period showed a positive trend, with only two samples failing to meet the legal requirements in laboratory evaluations.

During last year's season, the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (CAFIA) carried out a total of 296 inspections of “burčák” and PFGM, covering 246 sales locations, and in 44 cases, samples were taken for laboratory analysis.

Comprehensive laboratory analysis at CAFIA's accredited laboratory demonstrated non-compliant parameters in two samples. In both cases, it was PFGM with an incorrect alcohol content. The legal regulation sets the alcohol content at more than 1% by volume but less than three-fifths of its total alcohol content by volume.

A detailed overview of all compliant and non-compliant batches evaluated during the inspection is available on the Food Pillory website in the Thematic Controls section.

Additionally, during inspections, violations were found related to, among other things, missing or invalid accompanying documents, improper record-keeping, inadequate hygiene at the point of sale, or the promotion of the product as "burčák," even though it was a drink not originating in the Czech Republic.

Inspectors carried out inspections at both sellers and manufacturers, particularly focusing on those whose batches had failed to meet legal requirements in the past, as well as new, previously uninspected sellers, especially those operating in market stalls. These inspections were also carried out more intensively based on consumer complaints.

In the previous season of 2023, inspectors collected 47 samples for laboratory analysis, with 6 of them failing to comply. In the 2022 season, 52 samples were collected, with 4 failing. In 2021, 52 samples were also analysed, with 1 failing, and in 2020, 59 samples were tested, with 5 failing.

During inspections of “burčák” and PFGM, CAFIA also focuses on the so-called sensory requirements – inspectors evaluate the taste, smell, and colour of the drink on-site, ensuring proper labelling for consumers, appropriate accompanying documentation proving the origin of the product, and hygiene at the point of sale. When a sample is taken, CAFIA's laboratory in Brno verifies the geographic origin of the grapes used to produce the “burčák” through isotope ratios of stable hydrogen isotopes measured using nuclear magnetic resonance, and isotope ratios of stable oxygen and carbon isotopes measured using a mass spectrometer. The presence of synthetic colorants, ethanol from added sugar, added water content, alcohol content, sulphur dioxide levels, and more are also monitored.

“Burčák” is a traditional term protected by national and European legislation, and its use is reserved for partially fermented grape must made from grapes harvested and processed in the Czech Republic in the given year. The sales season is limited to the period from August 1 to November 30. Products with the same parameters but made from grapes harvested outside the Czech Republic can be sold under the name "partially fermented grape must," not "burčák." Any misuse of the term "burčák" is considered consumer deception, and in such cases, CAFIA initiates administrative proceedings and imposes a fine.

Article by: Mgr. Pavel Kopřiva – CAFIA Spokesperson, +420 542 426 633

11^th January 2025