RESOLUTION OIV-SECSAN 663-2021

OIV GUIDELINES FOR PREVENTION OF THE RISKS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF A STANDARDIZED METHODOLOGY OF VOLUNTARY BREATHLYSER TESTS AND BEST PRACCTICES AT CONSUMER WINE EVENTS

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY,

IN VIEW of the Article 2, paragraph 2 g) of the Agreement of 3rd April 2001 establishing the International Organisation of Vine and Wine, to help protect the health of consumers and to contribute to food safety,

CONSIDERING the actions provided in the OIV 2020-2024 Strategic Plan,

CONSIDERING that wine fairs, events and tastings are a widespread practice used to exhibit wines to interested wine consumers of legal age,

DESPITE the precautions taken in the organization of these events tastings (small doses for tasting, supply of water, spittoons and even snacks and food), the amount consumed during these events by some consumers can be significant. On occasion, a voluntary breathalyser test is made available to participants,

CONSIDERING that all information concerning the effects of wine on health must be presented in a competent and balanced manner,

TAKING INTO ACCOUNT the works of other international organisations on the effects of the consumption of alcoholic beverages and in particular the WHO global strategy to reduce negative health and social consequences of the harmful use of alcohol,

DECIDES, on the proposal of the Commission IV “Safety and Health”, to adopt the following OIV guidelines for the standardization of methodology of voluntary breathalyser tests at consumer wine events in accordance with national regulations and good practice.

OIV Guideline for prevention of the risks and the development of a standardized methodology of voluntary breathalyzer tests and best practices at consuler wine events

Scope

The objective of the document is to standardise the methodology for offering voluntary breathalyser testing and information to consumers attending wine events as part of an educational process to encourage moderation and responsibility when drinking wine at these events.

OIV endorsement of this process encourages organizers of the consumer wine fairs to routinely include this activity as part of their social responsibility.

Wine competitions covered by OIV standards and professional trade fairs are not included in these guidelines.

Two measures are proposed:

1. Define a standardized methodology, which will permit a consistent process of voluntary breathalyser testing for consumers who attend wine events;
2. Create a process for the distribution of relevant information regarding legal BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) limits in road transportation, as well as intervention to discourage consumers who have exceeded the limits from driving a vehicle.

Procedure

To meet the objective of defining a standardized methodology of voluntary breathalyser testing for consumers who attend wine events, the following steps are identified as being necessary to develop:

A.                PROCESS TO DEVELOP STANDARDIZED METHODOLOGY OF VOLUNTARY BREATHALYSER TESTING

I.                   Establish a clear, realistic and cost-efficient methodology for the Test procedure:

• defined according to local regulations and customs,
• in consultation with local authorities (such as Police and/or Road Safety Authority) to set guidelines (including the time delay between “last taste” and the Test),
• with clear disclaimer that the Tests are for information only and not a legal recourse,
• delivered by trained Staff.

II.                   Establish a process for the distribution of relevant information, such as:

• legal BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) in road traffic
• alternatives of public transport, taxis etc.
• information to discourage consumers who have consumed alcohol and/or have exceeded the BAC limits from driving according to the national guideline of the different countries
• information, including about national prevention programmes, and the health effects of alcohol consumption
• information about organisations where one can seek advice, information, and counselling on alcohol addiction and abuse
• information on Wine in Moderation in countries where the programme is part of the national prevention programme, culturally relevant audio-visual information projected on screens to consumers waiting for breathalyzer tests
• other information relevant to national or local environment

III.                   Create a Checklist of materials required for a Breathalyzer testing programme, including:

• calibrated Breathalyzer and disposable mouthpieces
• ensure that chemical breathalysers and portable or fixed electronic breath testers used for testing are covered by a certification norm which assures the conformity of the products 

B.                STAFFING AND TRAINING

To ensure that there is adequate training and qualified supervision, guidelines for staff training, requirements and profile should be developed:

I.                   Training:

Preparation of the staff is crucial, and training should focus on key aspects:

a)      the correct use of the breathalyzers and the importance of registering results accurately

b)      the necessary time interval to be observed between wine consumption and alcohol test

c)      the objectives of national prevention and information programmes including Wine in Moderation in countries where the programme is part of the national prevention programme

d)      information on the harmful effects of alcohol consumption exceeding the national guidelines; and

e)      available national information for those working in an environment where alcohol is consumed

f)        how to discourage consumers from driving when exceeding the legal BAC and/or or are showing signs of impairment.

C.                OTHER CONSIDERATIONS RELEVANT TO BEST PRACTICES

• the WHO advice applicable to the organization of mass gatherings (WHO Public health for mass gatherings: key considerations) addressing risks of any origin (including Covid-19), should also be considered by Organizers when planning an event
• The decision to track test results with information about the participants (BAC level, gender, age) is optional to the organizers of the Test Programme, and all tracking information should be anonymous
• accurate and consistent tracking can provide a reference of the relevance of the Test Programmes over time
• organizers of the Test Programmes can create partnerships with local authorities and transportation companies (ex. Taxi, Public) to organize alternative transport
• the organizers emphasize that the test results are not legally binding. They may not be held responsible for unlawful consumer behavior based on these results if the information about the test results has been passed on to the consumer/user”
• organizers of the Test Programmes can seek private sponsorship from Companies to fund costs of implementation
• working with the Event Organizers to highlight the Tests as a benefit to the Event is crucial.