S. Korean authorities bring criminal charges against ‘butterbeer’ maker for false labeling

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has criminally charged Beurre Biere maker, Brewguru, and its sellers, Virtual Company and GS Retail Co., for falsely labeling their beer.

The ministry also issued an advance notice to Brewguru to suspend the production of Beurre Biere beer for one month.

According to the ministry, Brewguru violated the Food Labeling and Advertising Act by using the French word “beurre” in the product name although the beer does not contain any butter.

The ministry argued that if a company wants to use "beurre" in its product name, which means butter in French, there should be butter in its manufacturing or processing system.

Brewguru insisted that the word “beurre” was just part of its product name without claiming and advertising that butter is in the list of ingredients.

The beer maker vowed to strive hard to vindicate their position even if the measures taken by the authorities are enforced,” an official at Brewguru said.

Since its launch in April last year, Beurre Biere has been selling briskly at major department stores’ pop-up stores, and alcohol specialty shops.