Hello members,
There has been a number questions concerning caffeine in beer and the BCLDB. Firstly I would like to inform you this is not a program initiated by the BCLDB, but rather their compliance with the rules set out by CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency).
Please see the following information regarding the federal rules. If you need confirmation through testing of your product please use the following lab that is recommended by the BCLDB wholesale division. They have negotiated a very favourable rate for both caffeine testing and residual sugar for beer classifications. SGS Canada Inc.
Health Canada has stated the below in regards to caffeinated alcoholic beverages:
17. Are caffeinated energy drinks containing alcohol allowed to be sold in Canada?
No. The Temporary Marketing Authorization Letters (TMAL) that permit the sale of caffeinated energy drinks as foods do not authorize the sale of alcoholic versions of these products and do not authorize their use as ingredients in other foods, including in alcoholic beverages.
Furthermore, the Food and Drug Regulations do not permit the addition of caffeine to any alcoholic beverage. However, some alcoholic beverages are allowed to have flavouring ingredients that naturally contain caffeine (e.g. guarana, coffee). They are also allowed to have as ingredients cola or other soft drinks that are themselves permitted to contain caffeine as a food additive.
Health Canada continues to advise consumers not to mix these products with alcohol and will continue to restrict their use as an ingredient in pre-mixed alcoholic beverages. In addition, Health Canada is requiring all caffeinated energy drinks to display the statement “Do not mix with alcohol” on the label.
Based on this, the LDB’s caffeine content rules are as follows (taking guidance from the LCBO’s policy on Maximum Allowable Chemical Additions):
Maximum allowable limit for caffeine in beverage alcohol is 30mg/serving. Serving sizes defined below:
– Multi serving beer (ie. 650ml bottle) – 30mg/330ml (serving size as per Health Canada)
– Single serving beer (ie. 341ml bottle) – 30mg/container
– Spirit: 30mg/43ml (serving size as per Canada’s Low Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines)
Please find the attached document regarding “serving size.” I asked to have this clarified as well (using Health Canada’s serving size definitions, also in the attachment).
