News From TTB

Source: TTB

Jan 18th

Alcohol Beverage Products Affected by Hurricanes and Flooding

In the aftermath of recent natural disasters, we have received questions about the safety of alcohol beverage products exposed to flood waters.

FDA Notice Advises that Certain Food Products Exposed to Flood Waters are Adulterated

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offers guidance on its website about the safety of foods, including alcohol beverage products, adversely affected by hurricanes, flooding, and power outages. The FDA notice states that food products submerged in flood waters may pose a health hazard because of possible exposure to sewage, chemicals, heavy metals, pathogenic microorganisms, or other contaminants. The notice advises that certain food products that have been exposed to flood waters are adulterated and should not enter the human food supply.

Read the FDA notice for more information: Safety of Food Affected by Hurricanes, Flooding, and Power Outages: A Notice from the FDA to Growers, Food Manufacturers, Food Warehouse Managers, and Transporters of Food Products.  http://www.fda.gov/food/fooddefense/emergencies/floodshurricanespoweroutages/ucm112723.htm

Adulterated Alcohol Beverage Products are Mislabeled

It is TTB's position that adulterated distilled spirits, wines, and malt beverages are mislabeled within the meaning of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act). Subject to the jurisdictional requirements of the FAA Act, mislabeled distilled spirits, wines, and malt beverages, including adulterated products, may not be sold or shipped, delivered for sale or shipment, or otherwise introduced or received in interstate or foreign commerce, or removed from customs custody for consumption, by a producer, importer, or wholesaler, or other industry member subject to 27 U.S.C. 205(e).

If you have any questions about whether an adulterated alcohol beverage product can be reconditioned or whether it should be destroyed, please contact TTB's Market Compliance Office at 202-453-2250, or toll free at 866-927-2533, and select option 5.

ACTING DIRECTORS NAMED FOR THE ADVERTISING, LABELING AND FORMULATION DIVISION

Effective January 4, Teresa Knapp, Gracie Joy, and Donna Smith will alternate serving as Advertising, Labeling and Formulation Division (ALFD) acting director until the position is filled permanently. Knapp will begin the 30-day rotation cycle, followed by Joy in February, and Smith in March. They will continue the 30-day rotation cycle, in this order, until further notice.