U.S. regulators want to make it easy for people to know what’s in each alcoholic beverage they choose. The Treasury Department’s Alcohol, Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau is seeking public comment on two proposals aimed at overhauling nutrition labeling on beer, wine and liquor packaging, by requiring nutrition labeling on bottles and cans for the first time ever. They announced that they are recruiting. However, health information does not come in the form of a physical label.
[ Related: Is drinking alcohol ever good for you? Here’s what the science says. ]
According to the following Federal Register notice, which was first reported: Associated Press The reforms are aimed at following the department’s Jan. 16 order to “ensure that labels provide consumers with adequate information regarding the identity, quality, and alcohol content of alcoholic beverages.” Information will likely be displayed similar to existing nutrition labels, including alcohol content, calories, carbohydrates, fat and protein amounts per serving. However, whether sugar content is listed on the label will remain optional. The second proposed rule would require companies to identify major allergens, including milk, eggs, shellfish and nuts.
If approved, the changes would accomplish a goal that consumer advocates have been pursuing for more than 20 years. 2.5 billion dollar industry.
“This proposal is an important step toward ensuring consumers have access to the information they need to make informed choices, follow health guidelines, and avoid allergic reactions.” Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) said. wrote in a statement Published on Thursday. CSPI also cited a March 2024 survey that found 63 to 77 percent of more than 1,500 Americans supported at least some form of mandatory content labels. I answered.
Although companies may voluntarily disclose nutritional information on their products, many still do not. a 2021 survey It found that of the 150 top beer and wine brands in the US, only 28 percent carry a full “Serving Facts” label, and none of the latter. At the time, only one beer had an “Alcohol Facts” label on it.
First of all, CSPI A citizen petition has been submitted. In 2003, we helped increase transparency in nutrition and alcohol content. In 2022, sued the Ministry of Finance 19 years of alleged inaction on petitions.
However, if nutritional information becomes mandatory, it may differ from traditional paper labels. of AP Also on Thursday, some prominent industry groups said they supported the reform, but noted they preferred it to come in the form of digital labels.
“Given the unique nature of winemaking, the most accurate and least burdensome approach to providing nutritional information to consumers would be to allow the option of off-label disclosure by QR code or other electronic means. ” said the wine association. The American Council has expressed similar hopes.
In any case, it will be some time before nutrition labeling (physical or otherwise) for alcohol becomes legally required. Following an open comment period and subsequent review, the new regulations will become effective five years after the date of approval.
