Imported Wines: Identifying and Removing Wines Contaminated With Diethylene Glycol
RCED-86-112
Published: Mar 04, 1986. Publicly Released: Apr 11, 1986.
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Highlights
In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed federal agency actions in dealing with the contamination of imported wines with the industrial chemical diethylene glycol (DEG), particularly with Austrian wines where the contamination was more significant.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of the Treasury | The Secretary of the Treasury should direct the Director, BATF, to: (1) consult with the Commissioner, FDA, to determine whether the actions taken by BATF in sampling, testing, and having wines contaminated with the industrial chemical DEG removed from the marketplace were adequate to protect public health and safety and take whatever action is warranted as a result of these consultations; and (2) use the results of such consultations to develop appropriate policies and procedures for working with FDA regarding any future contamination of alcoholic beverages. |
On November 20, 1987, BATF and FDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding that: (1) clarifies a more efficient system of communication; (2) confirms BATF policy on labelling ingredients in alcoholic beverages that pose a health problem; and (3) clarifies and coordinates the responsibilities of each agency with respect to the identification, testing, and recall of adulterated alcoholic beverages.
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| Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms | The Director, BATF, should report to the appropriate oversight committees, as well as to the House Committee on Government Operations, on the results of these consultations and any actions taken. |
On September 17, 1986, BATF notified the committees of the actions it took, or plans to take, in response to this recommendation. BATF has submitted this response to the House Committee on Government Operations and the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs. The response only discusses informal meetings held between BATF and FDA, but does not report on the final actions agreed upon.
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Alcoholic beveragesContaminated foodsFood and drug lawFood inspectionImport restrictionTestingToxic substancesFoodFirearmsHealth risks