Scott Laboratories Announces FDA Approval of Velcorin for Use in Hard Seltzer, Spirit-Based Cocktails, and Beer Mixes

March 3rd, 2025 – Scott Laboratories is pleased to announce that Velcorin® (dimethyl dicarbonate) has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a microbial control agent in hard seltzer, spirit-based cocktails, and beer mix cocktails. This approval marks a significant milestone in the RTD (ready-to-drink) beverage industry, as it expands options for microbial control and shelf-stability.

Since 1988, Velcorin has been approved in many alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including wine, cider, energy drinks, teas, sports drinks, and more. This latest approval extends its application to more contemporary beverage formulations.

Velcorin® is now approved for use in:

• Hard seltzer and shandy with no more than 8% alcohol by volume (ABV)
• Cocktails, including distilled spirit-based mixed alcoholic beverages, with no more than 15% ABV

The FDA has determined that Velcorin® can be used at a maximum level of 250 ppm. This approval is contingent upon the beverages being produced under good manufacturing conditions and their microbial load being reduced by current technologies such as heat treatment and filtration prior to the addition of Velcorin®.

"We are delighted to receive this approval," said Andre Austin, General Manager of Beverage Integrity at Scott Laboratories. "This long-awaited approval provides RTD beverage producers with the same opportunities as wine and cider producers. It enhances the accessibility of RTD beverage production, and we are eager to support the innovation and creativity emerging from this dynamic industry.”

For more information about Velcorin® and its applications, please visit our website at scottlab.com/velcorin or contact us.

Scott Laboratories

For over 90 years, Scott Labs has been the leading supplier for the North American wine and specialty beverage industry. Their broad portfolio of fermentation, processing, and filtration products spans across wine, cider, beer, sprits, and RTD beverage production. Scott Laboratories has always been the exclusive provider of Velcorin® to the alcoholic beverage industry in North America.