Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/230154
listing the number of calories and grams of carbohydrates, protein and fat contained in a single serving of the product. 2007 RULEMAKING PROPOSAL In response to increased interest in the disclosure of calorie, alcohol content and other nutrient information, and to help consumers measure and moderate drinking, in July 2007, the TTB published a proposed rule in Notice No. 73 entitled, "Labeling and Advertising of Wines, Distilled Spirits and Malt Beverages." This proposal, if adopted, will require companies to list alcohol content and caloric and nutritional information in a "Serving Facts" panel on container labels. However, there is debate that TTB may be acting outside the scope of its authority, since the Federal Alcohol Administration Act only requires alcohol content statements on labels of distilled spirits and wines with an alcohol content exceeding 14%. Following publication of Notice No. 73, TTB received hundreds of public comments on the proposed rule from consumers and industry members. The comment period closed on Jan. 28, 2008; since then, the proposed rule has been in a state of "longterm action." Thus, while it is still being considered, it is unclear when federal officials will finally rule on it and whether the proposed changes and additions to existing labeling requirements will actually become mandatory. TTB RULING 2013-2 On May 28, 2013, TTB Ruling 2013-2 was issued, which modifies and expands upon the previously issued TTB Ruling 2004-1. Pending final rulemaking under Notice No. 73 on the issues of mandatory Serving Facts and alcohol content statements, Ruling 2013-2 now permits pro- AT A GLANCE + Government regulatory agencies are considering requiring nutritional and caloric information on wine labels. + Currently, including this information is voluntary. + A voluntary Serving Facts statement must include the serving size; calories per serving; and grams per serving of carbohydrates, protein and fat. + Changing the labeling requirements will likely have significant cost impacts on producers, particularly small wineries. w w w. v w m m e d i a.com J a n - Feb 2014 | V INE YA RD & W INE RY M A NAG EM EN T 143