As the demand for more health forward beverages continues to rise, wine companies are increasingly turning their attention to a new category of wines: alcohol-removed or dealcoholized wines. With consumers increasingly mindful of their alcohol consumption and caloric intake, these wines offer a compelling alternative for those seeking the taste of wine without the higher alcohol content.
Under the labeling purview of the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), wines with an alcohol content under 7% alcohol by volume are subject to different labeling regulations than those at or above 7%. The under 7% category includes alcohol-removed or dealcoholized wines, which are produced through conventional fermentation methods and then undergo processes to remove most of the alcohol content. For comprehensive insights into wines with under 7% alcohol by volume, refer to our informative post, Everything You Need to Know About Wine Under 7% Alcohol By Volume and the FDA.
What exactly are dealcoholized or alcohol-removed wines? True to their name, these wines undergo a process to remove most of their alcohol content through a removal method. According to the FDA’s Compliance Policy Guidance Sec 510.400, the term “alcohol-removed” or “dealcoholized” must appear in the Statement of Identity of the product, followed by the word “wine” or a standard of identity designation of the type of wine from which the beverage derives (e.g., Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, etc.). Additionally, these terms should be displayed in the same font size as the word “wine” or other characterizing phrase.
FDA guidelines stipulate that the statement “Contains less than 0.5 percent alcohol by volume” must follow the Statement of Identity. While the claim “non-alcoholic” is permissible on dealcoholized wines, it is not a substitute for the mandatory inclusion of “dealcoholized” or “alcohol-removed” in the Statement of Identity.
It is important for industry members to note that the FDA strictly limits the use of the term “alcohol-free” to wines that contain no detectable alcohol. Even if the alcohol content is under 0.5 percent alcohol by volume, wines with detectable alcohol cannot be labeled as “alcohol-free.” See our earlier entry regarding alcohol-free wines here.
How can Lindsey Zahn P.C. assist with a low alcohol wine?
The dedicated team at Lindsey Zahn P.C. is committed to empowering wine producers with comprehensive legal support tailored to their specific needs. We focus on navigating the intricate maze of federal and state regulations, assisting with permit and license applications, and providing clarity on FDA labeling requirements. With Lindsey Zahn P.C. by your side, wine producers and brand owners can confidently navigate regulatory challenges and uphold transparency and consumer trust.
As the demand for lower alcohol wines continues to soar, Lindsey Zahn P.C. stands ready to guide industry members through the labyrinth of Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB“) and FDA regulations. With our experience and unwavering commitment to excellence, we empower wine producers to navigate labeling regulations with confidence and integrity, ensuring compliance and fostering consumer trust in the dynamic wine industry landscape.
Contact Lindsey Zahn P.C. to schedule an introductory meeting to discuss your needs and products and to learn more about how we can help: info@zahnlawpc.com or (929) ZAHNLAW (929-924-6529).