Fast facts

NSW Health Healthy Food Finder: What are fermented drinks? Fermented drinks include Fermented drinks and alcohol kombucha, ginger beer, kvass and kefir.

In response to a recent Commonwealth Process to list drinks on Department of Health Report that shows Healthy Food Finder Kombucha is produced from a mixture of steeped tea and sugar, the presence of undeclared alcohol in The ABCL encourages Members to combined with a culture of yeast some fermented beverage products list products by emailing the following strains and bacteria. Some (kombucha, ginger beer, kvass and kefir documentation (developed in kombucha drinks also have fruit products), the NSW Ministry of Health conjunction with NSW Food juice or other flavours added during has removed all kombucha, ginger beer, Authority) to the Healthy Food production. kvass and kefir products from Healthy Information Service Food Finder. ([email protected]). This includes products that have Kefir can be produced from milk (or Healthy Food Finder previously been listed in the Healthy a dairy alternative such as soy Food Finder: milk), water or coconut water. Healthy Food Finder is a food and drink look-up tool that is used by Local Health 1. Evidence (documentation) that Districts, retailers and canteen managers the alcohol content of your Kvass is a traditional fermented to guide product selection to meet the fermented product is less than Slavic beverage commonly made NSW Healthy Food and Drink Framework 0.5% at the time of bottling; and from rye bread. or NSW Health School Canteen Strategy. Health facilities and school canteens are 2. Evidence (documentation) that attended by groups who should not, or the alcohol content of your may not want to, consume alcohol such fermented product is less than For more information as children, and women who are 0.5% at the end of the products FSANZ, Labelling of Alcoholic pregnant or breastfeeding. shelf life. Beverages User Guide, 2014

NSW Health, Fermented drinks If your product has no and alcohol fact sheet, 2019 discernible sugar content at bottling or has been pasteurised, accelerated shelf life testing is an acceptable testing method.

This documentation will also be required for any new or re-formulated products that come on the market.

The ABCL is able to assist Members in collating feedback to support

information for listing in the Heathy Food Finder.

This brochure is designed as a general guide only. For specific health information seek assistance from a suitably qualified health practitioner. © August 2019

This brochure is designed as a general guide only. For specific health information seek assistance from a suitably qualified health practitioner. August 2012

1 Hemilä H, Chalker E, Douglas B 2010 Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold; 2 Baghurst, K., (2003) CSIRO Health Sciences and Nutrition, The Health Benefits of Citrus Fruits; 3 2007 Australian National Children’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey.