EU MINISTERS RESTRICT VODKA TO CEREALS AND POTATOES

EU agricultural ministers reached an agreement on new regulations concerning the production and labeling of spirits, including the definition of vodka. Under the legislation, traditional vodka made from cereals and potatoes will feature a label simply saying “vodka.” Vodkas made from non-traditional materials, such as grapes, must specify the ingredients on their label.

“I am pleased that we were able to reach a pragmatic compromise on the definition of vodka,” said EU Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer-Boel.

The terms “London gin” and Scotch Whisky” were also protected, along with a number of flavoring, sweetening and coloring restrictions for whisky.