Proposed Rules Would Require Nutrition Info, Allergen Warnings on Alcohol Labels
New Regulations Aim to Provide Consumers with Adequate Information
The Treasury Department’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau has proposed two new rules that would require labels on wine, distilled spirits, and malt beverages to list alcohol content and nutritional information per serving, as well as notification of potential allergens.
Alcohol Facts Box
The first proposed rule would require an “alcohol facts” box, similar to nutrition labels on food, that would list alcohol content, calories, carbohydrates, fat, and protein per serving. This information would help consumers make informed choices about their drinking habits and follow health guidelines.
Top Allergens to be Declared
The second proposed rule would require labels to declare top allergens, including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, soybean, and sesame. This would help consumers with allergies or sensitivities avoid allergic reactions.
Consistent with Bureau’s Mandate
The proposed changes are consistent with the bureau’s mandate to ensure that labels provide consumers with adequate information about the identity, quality, and alcohol content of alcohol beverages.
Advocacy Groups Welcome the Move
Similar rules were first proposed nearly two decades ago and later championed in petitions submitted by advocacy groups, including the Center for Science in the Public Interest. The group’s officials praised the proposals, saying they represent a “momentous step toward ensuring consumers have access to the information they need to make informed choices, follow health guidelines, and avoid allergic reactions.”
Voluntary Labels Not Enough
While companies have been allowed to provide the information voluntarily for several years, advocates maintained that a limited number of companies used voluntary labels, “underscoring the need for a mandatory policy.”
Public Comment Period Open
Comments will be accepted through April 16. The rules would take effect five years from the date of final approval.
Conclusion
The proposed rules aim to provide consumers with the information they need to make informed choices about their drinking habits and avoid allergic reactions. The move is a step towards ensuring that alcohol labels are transparent and provide consumers with the information they need to make healthy choices.
FAQs
Q: What would the proposed rules require on alcohol labels?
A: The proposed rules would require an “alcohol facts” box with information on alcohol content, calories, carbohydrates, fat, and protein per serving, as well as notification of potential allergens.
Q: Why are the proposed rules necessary?
A: The proposed rules are necessary to provide consumers with adequate information about the identity, quality, and alcohol content of alcohol beverages, and to help consumers with allergies or sensitivities avoid allergic reactions.
Q: When would the proposed rules take effect?
A: The rules would take effect five years from the date of final approval.
Q: Can I comment on the proposed rules?
A: Yes, comments will be accepted through April 16.
