WSU EXTENSION PRESENTS:

Proposed Labeling Changes: Are nutritional facts necessary for wine?

KEY ISSUE: TTB Proposed Ruling to require Nutritional Facts on Wine Labels

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Winery owners and winery personnel

WSU Extension is hosting a forum on the proposed ruling by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) issued at the end of July that would require wineries to provide a Serving Facts panel on all wine labels with alcohol, calories, carbohydrates, fat, and protein per serving size (Notice #73).

The TTB is seeking comments on the proposed rule and serving sizes. Specifically, the Bureau is asking small businesses that would be affected by the costs to comment on the potential impact it may have on them. Comments can be left on line (http://www.regulations.gov). Use the docket ID search for TTB-2007-0062. The public comment period is open until January 27, 2008.

Date: Thursday, December 6, 2007

1:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Location: Prosser IAREC Large Conference Room

Agenda:

1:00- 1:15PM Introduction and opening remarks

Kerry Ringer, Ph.D., Extension Enologist / Assistant Food Scientist, Washington State University

1:15- 2:00PM Discussion of proposed ruling: Background, overview, expectations, and comment period

Alex Heckathorn, Compliance Service of America, Consulting firm providing expert assistance to businesses with alcoholic beverage licenses

2:00- 3:30PM EXPERT PANEL: Discussion and Questions

MODERATOR: Jim Harbertson, Ph.D., Assistant Food Scientist, Washington State University

PANEL:

Alex Heckathorn, Compliance Service of America

Jessica Just, Scott Laboratory

Wade Wolfe Ph.D., Winemaker Thurston Wolfe

Casey McClellan, Seven Hills Winery

Marty Clubb, Le Ecole No 41 owner, Washington Wine Institute