IN A BIG WIN FOR SPIRITS, TTB PROPOSES NEW LABEL STANDARD

The TTB has proposed a new rule that would require all alcoholic beverages to include alcohol content, serving sizes and nutritional information on all labels. The rule was published today (July 31) and will gather comments through October 29. The TTB will then review the comments and decide whether to make the rule official, after which it would allow three years before the rule becomes mandatory.

If passed, it will require labels on all alcoholic beverages to feature the drink's percentage of alcohol by volume. Furthermore, the labels would include a "serving facts" panel, which would list the number of calories, carbohydrates, fat and protein for a standard serving size.

Currently, spirits and wine labels must include at least the percentage of alcohol by volume, but that information is not allowed on beer labels except in states that require it. However, if the beer is “light,” the label must show its caloric content and the percent of alcohol per volume.

This is a sure victory for the spirits industry. Diageo says it applauds the decision after joining with several consumer groups in 2003 in asking the TTB to allow the company to put serving facts on its spirits, beer and wine bottles and cans.

“Today marks a major victory for consumers and a win for our industry,” said Diageo vp Guy Smith. “This information will ultimately assist consumers to make informed choices about what they drink.”

The view the actual proposal, click here.