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FSA backed over its Sovio Wine decision

Published:  23 July, 2008

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has received independent backing for its decision to refuse the sale of Sovio Wine.

An independent assessor was appointed by the FSA following its decision to prevent the sale of Sovio from DB Wines because of the product being incorrectly described as a naturally light semi-sparkling wine.

The wine was also deemed to have used an unauthorised technique called "spinning cone" to reduce its alcohol content.

The FSA originally issued a formal Movement Control Notice to DB Wines in September 2007.

Sarah Appleby, Head of Imported Food at the FSA, said: "The consumer should not be misled into thinking that this product is a sparkling wine.

"The FSA is not trying to ban low-alcohol wines, but this product does not comply with either the labelling rules or the legislation on wine-making methods."

If the product was re-labelled so it would in no way cause confusion with traditionally produced wine or table wine it could potentially retail in the UK, she added.

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