Australia OKs Laxative Agent as Wine Additive

California Watch reported toay that the Australian government has given the nod to winemakers to begin using a chemical contained in laxatives. The chemical additive is sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, which has long been used by the medical world for its anti-bulking and laxative properties. Food scientists discovered that, in small doses, it can be used to stabilize and thicken beverages and foods.

In the case of wine, the chemical prevents crystallization and cloudiness in white and sparkling varieties.

“I don’t think the levels that are approved for use in wine in the EU and Australia will give that laxative effect,” said Wendell Lee, general counsel for the Wine Institute, the trade group for California’s wine industry.

According to California Watch, the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia appealed to its government to approve the chemical, arguing that the additive would save energy and money. That’s because traditional methods for preventing crystallization – cooling and filtration – can be highly energy intensive.

The chemical has not been approved for use in wine produced in the US. An international agreement among several nations – including Australia; the European Union, where it is approved; and the U.S. – means that its use is legal for imported wines.

The international agreement does not affect labeling. There is no way to know what food additives are added to wines in the US. The FDA provides labeling responsibility to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. The ATTB has approved more than 50 wine additives for wines but with no requirement to disclose them on the label.

“There’s nothing you can do,” said Roger Boulton, professor of viticulture and enology at UC Davis told California Watch. “There’s no way of knowing. If it’s imported and it’s an approved additive elsewhere, the consumer won’t know.”

Is there a right to know what is added in the making of wines or is it immaterial?

To read more from California Watch click here.

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Australia OKs Laxative Agent as Wine Additive

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