Public Interest Groups Spell Out Demands to Federal Government on Legalizing New Wine Labels

The National Consumers League and Shape Up America!, two major public interest organizations called upon the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) to act immediately, to necessitate stanardized nutrition and alcohol labeling on wine bottles. Currently this form of standardized labeling exists on all other consumable products such as over-the-counter drugs, beverages and food.

A national survey produced an avalance of over 18,000 comments in favor of TTB mandating a standardized label on wine providing basic information such as serving size; nutrient information; calories, fat, protien, alcohol and cholesterol per serving; percent of alcohol per volume; the number of standard drinks per bottle or container; the definition of a standard drink; advice on the alcohol consumption as explained in the current edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans; and a listing of wine ingredients to identify major food allergens.

This new information will allow concearned consumers to make informed purchasing decisions that may affect health. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Bureau of Economics, Bureau of Consumer Protection, and Office of Policy Planning are in agreement that this information may be beneficial to wine drinkers. There is strong support that wine may have beneficial health effects when consumed in moderation, but drank in large quantaties can increase health risks.