Toxic, hazardous alcohol surfaces in Belarusian retail outlets

In recent months, several Russian-made alcoholic beverages have been banned from the Belarusian market due to the presence of prohibited ingredients.

The manufacturer of the fruit mead "Fire Giant Surt," produced by LLC "Meadvary traditions of ancestors," has faced a ban after it was found that the drink contained sulfur dioxide, a prohibited additive in such drinks. According to reports, the level of sulfur dioxide in "Fire Giant Surt" was 25 mg/dm³.

Similarly, in May, mead from "Volkovskoye Pivovarnya "Nepryavilnyy Med," manufactured by ZAO "Moskovskaya Pivovarnaya Companiya" from the Moscow region, was banned due to the presence of sulfur dioxide.

The issue of non-compliance with regulations is not new for Russian-made alcoholic beverages in Belarus. In February, several products from the Orenburg company "Step i Vetr" were included in the list of unsafe products due to the presence of sorbic acid (E200) and its salt.

In June, the State Standard banned the sale of mead with a "pineapple" flavor called "Helga the Ruler" and blackberry mead "Ettin's Blood," both produced by LLC "Meadvary traditions of ancestors," due to the presence of prohibited preservatives.

The sale of "Fire Giant Surt" oblongberry mead has also been suspended due to the high level of sulfuric acid, which was found to be 56 mg/dm³ in "Mr. X Strawberry&Barberry," a filtered and pasteurized mead from LLC "Zaliv.Kom." The company's products will no longer be available on Belarusian store shelves due to non-compliance with the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union.

The sale of "Mr. X Cherry&Lemon" from the same company has also been halted due to an unacceptable food additive, sulfuric acid, which can cause allergies and is contraindicated for certain diseases.

It is important to note that even permitted alcohol can harm your health if consumed excessively. The State Standard has shown interest in alcoholic beverages, and this is not the first time such issues have been found with Russian-made alcoholic beverages in Belarus.

As the situation develops, consumers are advised to be cautious and check the labels of their alcoholic beverages carefully to ensure they are compliant with Belarusian regulations.