June 24, 2004
The Advertising, Labeling and Formulation Division of TTB has recently noted an increase in the number of inquiries regarding, and formulation submissions for, alcohol beverage specialty products that contain artificial sweeteners. Specialty products are those alcohol beverages that are not defined by a particular class or that are generally not known to the trade and the consumer under a particular designation.
Forsuch products, TTB regulations at 27 CFR 4.34(a), 5.35(a), and 7.24(a) provide that a truthful and adequate statement of composition must appear on the product's brand label. Therefore, when an alcohol beverage specialty product contains an artificial sweetener, the label must indicate the presence of the artificial sweetener in the statement of composition.For example, the following statements would meet the requirements of the regulations: “Malt Beverage with Natural Flavors and Artificial Sweetener” or “Grape Wine with Cherry Flavor and Sucralose.”
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact ALFD Customer Service at: 202-927-8140, or toll free at 866-927-ALFD (2533), or via email at: alfd@ttb.gov