Wine control authorities in Germany have impounded more than 100.000 bottles of Argentinean wine and removed them from the shelves, because they contain the antibiotic Natamycin, as was reported by Spiegel online. The wine in question is a 2008 Villa Paola, San Rafael, Syrah and Merlot, Argentina. The antibiotic found is not hazardous to health. However, the addition of antibiotics to wine is prohibited in wine produced in or imported into the EU. In other countries, however, the substance may be allowed to be used in the production of wine.
Natamycin is a substance used as a surface treatment for cheese as well as for dried or smoked sausages, and is permitted for this use in the EU. The wine control authorities in Rheinland-Pfalz had acted on reports of affected imports from overseas, and had carried out 17 controls. However, antibiotics were found only in this one case.
If the antibiotic is allowed for cheese and smoked sausages in Europe, why this fuss with the wine?
Here is an interesting fact sheet.
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I think is because Bayer is selling another antibiotic wich is allowed in wine but not in cheese and sausages and yoghurts, and "coincidentally" is now starting to maket this product in South America
ReplyDeleteThat may well be the explanation.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Christian
That's called protectionism..... a term well-known to Americans, right?
ReplyDelete