Federal Register: September 20, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 182)

DOCID: FR Doc 06-7963

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau

CFR Citation: 27 CFR Parts 4, 5, and 7

RIN ID: RIN 1513-AB08

DOCUMENT ID: [Notice No. 64; Re: Notice No. 62]

NOTICE: PROPOSED RULES

ACTION: Alcoholic beverages:

DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking; extension of comment period.

SUBJECT CATEGORY:

Major Food Allergen Labeling for Wines, Distilled Spirits and Malt Beverages

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before December 26, 2006.

DOCUMENT SUMMARY:

In response to industry member requests, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau extends the comment period for Notice No. 62, Major Food Allergen Labeling for Wines, Distilled Spirits and Malt Beverages, a notice of proposed rulemaking published in the Federal Register on July 26, 2006, for an additional 90 days.

SUMMARY:

Labeling and advertising, major food allergen labeling standards,

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

On July 26, 2006, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) published Notice No. 62, Major Food Allergen Labeling for Wines, Distilled Spirits and Malt Beverages, in the Federal Register (71 FR 42329). In that notice of proposed rulemaking, TTB requested public comment on the proposed adoption of mandatory labeling standards for major food allergens used in the production of alcohol beverages subject to the labeling requirements of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act. The comment period for Notice No. 62, when published, was scheduled to close on September 25, 2006.

After publication of Notice No. 62, TTB received requests from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, the National Association of Beverage Importers, Inc., and Wine Institute to extend the comment period for Notice No. 62 for a period ranging from 60 to 120 days beyond the September 25, 2006, closing date. In support of their extension requests, these organizations note that the comment period of this notice would coincide with habitual August vacations in Europe, where many industry member suppliers reside, and that it would also coincide with the approaching grape harvest in California. Consequently, the three organizations state, many industry members would be unable to focus on the complexities and ramifications of the proposed rule and would not have adequate time to formulate a response to the proposal.
In response to these requests, TTB extends the comment period for Notice No. 62 for an additional 90 days. Therefore, comments on Notice No. 62 are now due on or before December 26, 2006.

Drafting Information: Gabriel J. Hiza of the Regulations and Rulings Division drafted this notice.

Signed: September 14, 2006.
John J. Manfreda,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 067963 Filed 91906; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 481031P

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

Lisa M. Gesser, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, P.O. Box 128, Morganza, MD 20660; telephone (301) 2901460.