diff --git a/kernel.spec b/kernel.spec
index 46e2a4601..4aa6ba8ab 100644
--- a/kernel.spec
+++ b/kernel.spec
@@ -1035,7 +1035,7 @@ exit 1
 %endif
 %endif
 
-%if !%{baserelease}
+%if "%{baserelease}" == "0"
 echo "baserelease must be greater than zero"
 exit 1
 %endif