Abstract:To evaluate the safety and quality of Rum, 19 batches of Rums from five different origins (China, Cuba, Guatemala, Jamaica, and Philippines) were tested for physicochemical properties according to the relevant standards provided in the ‘People’s Republic of China Light Industry Standard -Rum’ and ‘National Food Safety Standard- Distilled Liquor and Compound Wine’ in this paper. The results showed that 12 out of 19 batches had a volume error of >1.0% between the measured and labeled values, with only 36.8% meeting the standard; The content of fixed and volatile acids ranged from 0.01 to 0.45 g/L and 0.02 to 0.42 g/L, respectively; The content of methanol, lead, and copper ranged from 0.012 to 0.061 g/L, 0.006 to 0.058 mg/L, and 0.011 to 0.157 mg/L, respectively; Cyanide was not detected in any samples; Levels of N-propanol, isobutanol, and primary active amyl alcohol were tested, and their contents ranged from 0.020 to 0.261 g/L, 0.06 to 0.149 g/L and 0.01~0.516 g/L, respectively, indicating overall low content. Levels of total nonalcoholic volatiles were 0.092~2.028 g/L, with a compliance rate of 73.7%. It can be seen that the main physicochemical properties of Rum produced in regular ways or purchased through regular channels basically meet the standard requirements and have a high safety level. The results of this research are of practical significance for consumers to gain a deeper understanding of the quality and safety of Rum, as well as for supervisory and managerial departments to realize scientific supervision and to promote the sound development of the Rum industry.
