Trade body defends wine producers

A wine industry chief has hit back at claims that many popular wines contain too many unknown additives which could pose a health risk.

Channel 4's Dispatches programme aired last night alleged that many brands contain artificial flavourings and additives used to mimic the taste of grapes, as well as ingredients like gelatine, milk, clay and eggs.

But Jeremy Beadles, chief executive of The Wine And Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), has defended the industry.

He said: "The winemaking process is governed by strict regulations designed to ensure products meet stringent health and safety standards. Winemaking has always involved the use of certain additives to ensure consumers enjoy a consistent high quality product.

"There is no secret - EU regulations spell out the ingredients permitted for use and the amounts allowed. If any producer is found to have breached these regulations we fully support action by the authorities."

Channel 4 has accused winemakers of not displaying clear labels on bottles telling consumers the precise ingredients that have gone into the drink. The programme argued that popular brands, including Jacob's Creek, Stowells, Blossom Hill and Hardys, do not list any ingredients other than sulphites - which is a legal requirement.

Beadles added: "The precise combination of ingredients used in the winemaking process varies because no two batches of grapes are the same. This variance and the need to translate materials into 27 languages to satisfy EU single market requirements mean precise labelling for wine would cost an estimated €1bn over three years.

"This cost would have to be borne by consumers or by producers. The reality is that many smaller producers would stop selling products in smaller markets."