It’s OK to serve craft NA beer on tap with appropriate safety precautions.

We understand the importance of delivering the highest quality and safest products to your guests, and serving non-alcoholic (NA) beer on tap is no exception. In this note, we want to highlight key information and standards, particularly focusing on the DIN 6650-6 standard, in response to recent articles and to help you ensure the cleanliness and safety of your draught beverage dispensing systems.

Global Standard for NA Draft Beer Dispensing:

DIN 6650-6: Dispense systems for draught beverages - Part 6: Requirements for cleaning and disinfection, is a crucial standard created by the German Institute for Standardization (DIN). The DIN is  one of the leading bodies for standards globally across many industries. The DIN 6650-6 standard provides critical information in maintaining the hygiene and safety of draught beverage dispensing systems.

1. Cleaning Standards for NA Beer:

   - DIN 6650-6 sets forth stringent guidelines for cleaning and disinfection of non-alcoholic beer lines. It recommends cleaning every 1-7 days, ensuring a more frequent cleaning schedule than the BA (Brewers Association) recommendation of 14 days for full-strength beer tap lines.

2. Industry Recognition:

   - The importance of adhering to DIN standards is underscored by the fact that major players in the industry, including Athletic, Heineken, and others, are utilizing draft lines for NA Beer. These companies have developed comprehensive cleaning and certification programs to meet the high standards set by DIN 6650-6.

3. Cornell Article Clarification:

   - Many of the recently published articles reference a study at Cornell University. It's essential to clarify that the referenced Cornell article is not specifically about draft line safety. Instead, it highlights a study indicating that NA Beer is more prone to infection by various microorganisms. This susceptibility occurs because ethanol, present in alcoholic beverages, acts as a barrier to microbial growth. This information has already been extensively discussed across the industry. 

We understand that concerns may arise when considering the cleanliness and safety of serving NA beer on tap. However, it's important to emphasize that following established standards such as DIN 6650-6 are easily applicable to producing high-quality and safe products in your brewery. These standards are designed to ensure successful and secure dispensing of NA beer through tap lines.

In conclusion, prioritizing the cleanliness and safety of your draught beverage dispensing systems is paramount. DIN 6650-6 serves as a reliable guide, setting standards that not only meet but exceed industry recommendations. By understanding and following these guidelines, you contribute to the production of high-quality and safe NA beer for your guests. As the industry evolves, adaptation to such standards remains crucial for the successful growth of non-alcoholic beverages.

Thank you for your commitment to excellence and the satisfaction of your customers.