The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has long supported required alcohol labeling. We have sent multiple letters of support to the Department of Treasury’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) and Congress. Last year, AAFA also co-hosted a congressional briefing to help teach lawmakers about the needs of people with food allergies.

We recently sent comments to the TTB in support of allergen and ingredient labeling on alcoholic beverages in containers. Read the full letter.

The Food Allergy Labeling and Consumer Protection Act’s (FALCPA) allergen labeling requirements only cover products regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The rules do not apply to most alcoholic beverages because they are regulated by the Department of Treasury. The FDA’s allergen labeling rules also do not apply to most meat, poultry, and egg products. These products are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Alcohol companies are not required to label for allergens. But wines, distilled spirits, and beers can have allergens that are used as processing agents or as ingredients. This is confusing and possibly harmful for people with food allergies.

Many people have allergies to foods that are not one of the nine most common food allergens. They need to know when their allergens are in a food or beverage. This is why it's important to require full ingredient labeling.

Alcohol especially poses risks to young adults with food allergies. Alcohol can impact response time and decision-making. This may affect the ability to properly treat a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

AAFA will continue to advocate on behalf of the food allergy community. We are hopeful the TTB will take action to require labeling on alcoholic beverages.

Kids with Food Allergies (KFA) is the food allergy division of AAFA.