81 FR 83752 - Wine Treating Materials and Related Regulations
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 225 (November 22, 2016)
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 225 (November 22, 2016)
| Page Range | 83752-83771 | |
| FR Document | 2016-27581 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 225 (Tuesday, November 22, 2016)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 83752-83771] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-27581] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau 27 CFR Part 24 [Docket No. TTB-2016-0010; Notice No. 164] RIN 1513-AB61 Wine Treating Materials and Related Regulations AGENCY: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is proposing to amend its regulations pertaining to the production of wine and in particular in regard to the permissible treatments that may be applied to wine and to juice from which wine is made. These proposed amendments are in response to requests from wine industry members to authorize certain wine treating materials and processes not currently authorized by TTB regulations. TTB invites comments on the proposed regulatory changes described in this document, as well as on other wine treatment issues for which regulatory amendments are not proposed in this document. DATES: Comments must be received by January 23, 2017. ADDRESSES: Please send your comments on this document to one of the following addresses:https://www.regulations.gov (via the online comment form for this document as posted within Docket No. TTB-2016-0010 at Regulations.gov, the Federal e-rulemaking portal); U.S. Mail: Director, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Box 12, Washington, DC 20005; or Hand delivery/courier in lieu of mail: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Suite 400, Washington, DC 20005. See the Public Participation section of this document for specific instructions and requirements for submitting comments, and for information on how to request a public hearing or view or obtain copies of the petition and supporting materials. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kara Fontaine, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Box 12, Washington, DC 20005; phone 202-453-1039, ext. 103. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background TTB Authority Chapter 51 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (IRC), 26 U.S.C. chapter 51, contains provisions concerning the taxation and production of distilled spirits, wines, and beer. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has been delegated authority to promulgate regulations pertaining to wine under Chapter 51 of the IRC. The statutory provisions of the IRC related to the distilled spirits and wine regulations that TTB promulgates include, but are not limited to, the following: Section 5002(a)(4) of the IRC (26 U.S.C. 5002(a)(4)), which defines the term ``distiller,'' in pertinent part, as including any person who ``(A) produces distilled spirits from any source or substance'' or ``(C) by any process separates alcoholic spirits from any fermented substance * * *.'' Section 5171(a) of the IRC (26 U.S.C. 5171(a)), which requires that operations ``as a distiller'' only be conducted on the bonded premises of a distilled spirits plant by a person who is qualified under subchapter B of chapter 51 of the IRC. Section 5373 of the IRC (26 U.S.C. 5373), which authorizes the promulgation of regulations regarding the type of wine spirits that may be used in wine production. Section 5381 of the IRC (26 U.S.C. 5381), which provides that natural wine is the product of the juice or must of sound, ripe grapes or other sound, ripe fruit, made with such cellar treatment as may be authorized under section 5382. Section 5382(a) of the IRC (26 U.S.C. 5382(a)), which provides that proper cellar treatment of natural wine constitutes those practices and procedures in the United States, of using various methods and materials to correct or stabilize the wine, or the fruit juice from which it is made, so as to produce a finished product acceptable in good commercial practice as prescribed by regulation. Section 5382(c) also authorizes the promulgation of regulations setting forth limitations on the preparation and use of methods and materials for clarifying, stabilizing, preserving, fermenting, and correcting wine and juice. Section 5387(a) of the IRC (26 U.S.C. 5387(a)), which authorizes the production of agricultural wine, classed as ``standard agricultural wine,'' from agricultural products other than the juice of fruit. Such agricultural wine must be made in accordance with good commercial practice as prescribed by regulation and may be cellar treated in accordance with sections 5382(a) and (c) of the IRC. Also, section 5387(b) prohibits the addition of wine spirits, coloring material or herbs, or other flavoring material (except hops in the case of honey wine) to agricultural wine, as well as the blending together of wines from different agricultural commodities. The regulations promulgated under the IRC regarding the production of wine are set forth in part 24 of title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations (27 CFR part 24) and include, but are not limited to, the following provisions: 27 CFR 24.10, which contains the definitions of certain terms used in 27 CFR part 24. 27 CFR 24.225, which sets forth rules under which proprietors of a bonded wine premises may withdraw and receive spirits without payment of tax from the bonded premises of a distilled spirits plant and add the spirits to natural wine on bonded wine premises. 27 CFR 24.246, which includes a table that lists the materials authorized for the treatment of wine and juice. 27 CFR 24.247, which includes a table that lists materials authorized for the treatment of distilling material. 27 CFR 24.248, which includes a table that lists processes authorized for the treatment of wine, juice, and distilling materials. TTB administers chapter 51 of the IRC and its implementing regulations pursuant to section 1111(d) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as codified at 6 U.S.C. 531(d). The Secretary has delegated various authorities through Treasury Department Order 120-01, dated December 10, 2013 (superseding Treasury Order 120-01 dated January 24, 2003), to the TTB Administrator to perform the functions and duties in the administration and enforcement of these laws. In addition, TTB consults with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on whether alcohol beverages are adulterated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), including whether a substance added to an alcohol beverage is an unapproved food additive. Alcohol beverages are [[Page 83753]] considered ``food'' under the FD&C Act. A substance added to food is a food additive unless it is otherwise excluded from the definition of a food additive under the FD&C Act. For example, the use of a substance in food that is generally recognized as safe by qualified experts (GRAS) is excluded from the definition of a food additive under the FD&C Act. The use of a food additive in food must be authorized by FDA either through a food additive regulation or an effective food contact notification (FCN). FDA has listed certain GRAS uses in its regulations. In addition, FDA has a voluntary notification procedure by which any person may notify FDA of a conclusion that a use of a substance is GRAS. FDA evaluates whether the notice provides a sufficient basis for a GRAS conclusion (which results in a ``no questions'' response) or whether FDA believes there is an insufficient basis for a GRAS conclusion (which results in an ``insufficient basis'' response). For the purpose of this rulemaking, we use the term ``consistent with the food additive requirements under the FD&C Act'' to refer to: (1) Authorized food additive uses; (2) uses that are GRAS under FDA's regulations, that are the subject of a ``no questions'' letter from FDA in response to a GRAS notice, or that are subject to an opinion letter from FDA stating that the use is GRAS or otherwise permissible; or (3) uses that are otherwise excluded from regulation as a food additive. Based on TTB's experience in administering the statutory and regulatory provisions mentioned above, TTB is proposing in this document a number of amendments to the TTB regulations and inviting comments from the public on these proposed regulatory changes. In addition, TTB is outlining in this document a number of other issues that are not the subject of proposed regulatory changes. TTB invites comments from the public on those issues to assist TTB in determining whether any of those issues warrant specific regulatory changes. Terms Used in This Document TTB is providing the following definitions to assist in the comprehension of this final rule. The definitions of agricultural wine, amelioration, brix, natural wine, standard wine, and wine spirits come from Sec. 24.10, the definition of essences is derived from 27 CFR 24.85, and the definition of special natural wine is derived from 27 CFR 24.10 and 24.195. The definitions of ``natural wine'' and ``standard wine'' are consistent with statutory provisions at sections 5381 and 5392, respectively. The definitions of ``agricultural wine,'' ``amelioration,'' and ``special natural wine'' reflect language used in statutory provisions at sections 5387, 5383, and 5386, respectively. The definition of ``brix'' is derived, in part, from statutory provisions at sections 5382 and 5393. Definitions of industry member and yeast nutrients also are provided, although these terms are not specifically defined in statutory provisions or elsewhere in the regulations. Agricultural wine: Wine made from suitable agricultural products other than the juice of grapes, berries, or other fruits. Amelioration: The addition to juice or natural wine before, during, or after fermentation, of either water or pure dry sugar, or a combination of water and sugar to adjust the acid level. Brix: The quantity of dissolved solids expressed as grams of sucrose in 100 grams of solution at 68 degrees F (20 degrees C.) (Percent by weight of sugar). (The definition of ``Brix'' in Sec. 24.10 incorrectly refers to 60 degrees F rather than 68, which is the equivalent of 20 degrees C; TTB is proposing to correct this typographical error in this document.) Essences: Preparations of natural constituents extracted from fruit, herbs, berries, etc. Industry member: For the purposes of this document, a proprietor of a bonded wine premises. Natural wine: The product of the juice or must of sound, ripe grapes or other sound, ripe fruit (including berries) made with any cellar treatment authorized by 27 CFR part 24, subparts F and L, and containing not more than 21 percent by weight (21 degrees Brix dealcoholized wine) of total solids. Special natural wine: A product produced from a base of natural wine (including heavy bodied blending wine) to which natural flavorings are added, and made pursuant to an approved formula in accordance with 27 CFR part 24, subpart H. In subpart H, Sec. 24.195 additionally explains that, among other things, natural flavorings are added in quantities or proportions such that the resulting product derives character and flavor distinctive from the base wine and distinguishable from other natural wine. Standard wine: Natural wine, specially sweetened natural wine, special natural wine, and standard agricultural wine, produced in accordance with 27 CFR part 24, subparts F, H, and I. Wine spirits: Brandy or wine spirits authorized under 26 U.S.C. 5373 for use in wine production. Yeast nutrients: For the purposes of this document, vitamins and minerals that aid in the fermentation of juice to wine by acting as food for yeast. TTB Administrative Approvals of Wine and Juice Treatments Industry members who wish to experiment with, or commercially use, a treating material or process not specifically authorized in 27 CFR part 24 must file an application with TTB requesting authorization to use the new material or process. TTB may approve such requests as experiments under 27 CFR 24.249 or allow for the continual use of the new material or process under 27 CFR 24.250. Standards regarding approval of the experimental use of a new treating material or process are set forth in Sec. 24.249. The provisions covering applications for commercial use of a new material or process are contained in Sec. 24.250. Consistent with Sec. Sec. 24.246 and 24.248, TTB may approve the use of wine treating materials and processes that are determined to be acceptable in good commercial practice. In general, good commercial practice includes addressing the reasonable technological or practical need to enhance the keeping, stability, or other qualities of the wine, and achieving the winemaker's desired effect without creating an erroneous impression about the character and composition of the wine. If TTB believes that it would be appropriate to approve the request, whether as an experiment under Sec. 24.249 or for continued commercial use under Sec. 24.250, it will send a letter to the industry member authorizing use of the material or process and setting forth the conditions for that use. Also, when TTB approves the continued commercial use of a wine treatment material or process under Sec. 24.250, it will provide public notice of such approval on its Web site at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine_treating_materials.shtml. The listing of administrative approvals on the TTB Web site affords all industry members the opportunity to use an administratively approved wine treating material or process pending future rulemaking. TTB conducts rulemaking to consider adding to or amending the materials and processes authorized in the regulations for treating wine, juice, and distilling material listed in Sec. Sec. 24.246 through 24.248 for several reasons. First, when TTB administratively approves wine treatments for continued commercial use under Sec. 24.250, TTB makes an initial determination that such material [[Page 83754]] or process is consistent with ``good commercial practice.'' Administrative approval provides a more expeditious process than rulemaking for industry members to obtain approval to use new materials and processes. On the other hand, the rulemaking process allows industry members and the public an opportunity to comment on, and specifically to confirm or refute, TTB's initial determination that the use of a material or process is consistent with good commercial practice. TTB believes that input from industry members, the users and potential users of these treatments commercially, should be obtained before making a final determination concerning the acceptability of the treatment in good commercial practice. Similarly, TTB might not approve a request for administrative approval of a wine treatment because the Bureau is reluctant to approve the use of that particular wine treatment without input from industry members and the public concerning the treatment's acceptability in good commercial practice. After obtaining information and comments through rulemaking, TTB may determine that the wine treatment is consistent with good commercial practice and approve the use of such treatment. As discussed below, through this document, TTB is seeking comments on the approval of the use of several proposed treatments that have not been administratively approved by the Bureau. In addition, administrative approval of a wine treatment under Sec. 24.250 does not guarantee acceptance in foreign markets of any wine so treated, and conducting rulemaking and adding wine treating materials and processes to Sec. Sec. 24.246 through 24.248 results in acceptance of the treated wines in certain foreign jurisdictions. For example, under Article 4.2 of the 2006 Agreement between the United States of America and the European Community on Trade in Wine (Wine Agreement), the United States and the European Union agreed not to restrict ``on the basis of either wine-making practices or product specifications, the importation, marketing or sale of wine originating in the territory of the other Party that is produced using wine-making practices that are authorized under laws, regulations and requirements of the other Party listed in Annex I and published or communicated to it by that other Party.'' Article 5.1 of the Wine Agreement also contains provisions to authorize new or modified wine-making practices if a party to the Wine Agreement provides public notice and specific notice to the other Party, and provides a reasonable opportunity for comment and to have those comments considered. For new wine treatments administratively approved in the United States, TTB provides such public notice and opportunity to comment through the regulatory rulemaking process. TTB's most recent amendment of Sec. Sec. 24.246 through 24.248 to reflect treating material and process approvals was published as Treasury Decision (T.D.) TTB-61 in the Federal Register (72 FR 51707) on September 11, 2007. Since that time, TTB has received and approved a number of applications for experimental or commercial uses. These include the 15 wine and juice treating materials and the combined use of two existing wine treatment processes, discussed below, on which TTB believes it has accumulated enough analytical data or other information to propose adding them to the list of approved materials and processes in the TTB regulations at Sec. Sec. 24.246 and 24.248. TTB is soliciting comments from all interested persons on TTB's position that, based on the information set forth below, the use of each of these materials or processes is consistent with good commercial practice. Yeast Nutrients Seven of the administrative approvals mentioned above authorize the use of additional yeast nutrients in the treatment of wine. TTB and its predecessor agencies have recognized the need to supply yeast with appropriate nutrients to facilitate healthy fermentation and to prevent ``stuck fermentation'' (fermentation that has halted before completion due to, among other things, high sugar levels or nutrient deficiencies). The following yeast nutrients are currently listed in Sec. 24.246 as authorized wine and juice treating materials: Ammonium phosphate; Calcium pantothenate (for apple wine); Soy flour (defatted); Thiamine hydrochloride; Yeast, autolyzed; and Yeast, cell wall/membrane of autolyzed yeast. In 2007, TTB received a petition from Gusmer Enterprises Inc. (Gusmer) to amend Sec. 24.246 to allow the use of 19 vitamins and minerals as yeast nutrients in the production of wine. Gusmer provided the names, descriptions, functional roles for yeast metabolism, conditions of use, and suggested maximum amounts for the proposed vitamins and minerals. The petitioner also provided documentation on the regulatory status of the uses of 15 of the 19 proposed vitamins and minerals. Four materials identified by the petitioner, selenium, boron, molybdenum, and chromium, are not included in this proposal because no information was provided to demonstrate that their uses would be consistent with the food additive requirements under the FD&C Act. Of the remaining 15 vitamins and minerals proposed as yeast nutrients for the production of wine by the petitioner, seven have been administratively approved by TTB for continued commercial use as yeast nutrients under Sec. 24.250 in response to industry member requests which were received by TTB subsequent to TTB's receipt of the Gusmer petition. TTB is proposing, in this document, to amend the regulations to add six of these vitamins and minerals to the list of approved treating materials and expand the approved use of a seventh that already appears on the list. Specifically, TTB is proposing to add biotin, folic acid, inositol, magnesium sulfate, niacin, and pyridoxine hydrochloride to the list of authorized wine and juice treating materials in Sec. 24.246, and to expand the current permitted use of calcium pantothenate in that section, as described later in this document. For each of these seven yeast nutrients TTB is proposing to limit the amount of usage to the amounts provided in the Gusmer petition. While many of these yeast nutrients are vitamins that are authorized for use in food, in the recent past FDA has advised TTB that the fortification of ``alcoholic beverages'' with nutrients is not consistent with FDA's fortification policy in 21 CFR 104.20 or the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In addition, FDA has informed TTB that FDA regulations for certain vitamins (e.g., folic acid and inositol) would not authorize their use in alcohol beverages as nutrients. Nonetheless, FDA has stated to TTB that these vitamins could be used for the purpose of providing nutrients to the yeast, and not to fortify the wine, where the levels of the vitamin remaining in the wine would be of a de minimis level. For these reasons, TTB believes it is important to place limitations on the use of these substances that permit their use as nutrients for yeast growth but not as food additives for human consumption. For reasons discussed below in the section titled ``Other Issues for Public Comment and Possible Regulatory Action,'' TTB is not proposing in this document to add the eight vitamins and minerals that TTB has not approved administratively under Sec. 24.250 to the list of authorized wine and juice treating [[Page 83755]] materials in Sec. 24.246. However, TTB is seeking comments on whether these eight additional vitamins and minerals should be approved as authorized wine treating materials. Proposed Regulatory Amendments Wine Treating Materials General Comment on Yeast Nutrients The six new yeast nutrients that TTB is proposing for the first time, based on the Gusmer petition described above, and the six yeast nutrients already authorized for use by regulation, as listed in Sec. 24.246 (including calcium pantothenate), have been grouped together in the proposed Sec. 24.246 table below under the heading ``Yeast nutrients.'' This format is similar to the one that currently exists for ``Enzymatic activity.'' TTB is also broadening the use of those yeast nutrients that are currently listed in Sec. 24.246 to allow for their use in all juice and wine. Blends and Other Combinations of Approved Treating Materials TTB notes that, while the table in Sec. 24.246 includes some references to approved materials used in combination (see, for example, the entry for potassium carbonate), there is no general statement to the effect that one or more approved materials may be used as a blend or otherwise in combination with another. TTB believes that such combined uses should be permitted, provided that the use of each material conforms to the conditions specified for that material (that is, the reason or purpose for its use and the references and limitations that apply to its use). TTB is proposing, in this document, to amend Sec. 24.246 accordingly. This revision appears in proposed Sec. 24.246(b), with the current Sec. 24.246(b) moved to the proposed Sec. 24.246(c). Specific Wine Treating Materials Acacia (gum arabic): TTB is proposing to authorize a maximum use rate of 8 pounds of acacia per 1,000 gallons (1.92 grams per Liter (g/ L)) of wine in the list of authorized wine and juice treating materials in Sec. 24.246. Acacia is currently listed in Sec. 24.246 as an authorized treating material to clarify and stabilize wine, subject to a limitation that its use shall not exceed 2 pounds per 1,000 gallons (0.24 g/L) of wine. TTB has administratively approved several requests from industry members to use acacia to treat wine at levels exceeding the current maximum. The current limitation in Sec. 24.246 was based on earlier evaluations of treated wine and was adopted through a public rulemaking procedure on September 24, 1984 (T.D. ATF-182, 49 FR 37522). Acacia also has a long record of use at the level prescribed in the regulation. While the increased amounts specified in those requests ranged as high as 25 pounds of acacia per 1,000 gallons of wine, 16 pounds per 1,000 gallons was the highest level that TTB approved. In those reviews and approvals, TTB referenced FDA's regulation (21 CFR 184.1330) for the use of acacia at a rate greater than the amount listed in Sec. 24.246, and TTB reviewed and considered relevant submitted data required under Sec. 24.250(b). TTB notes that some of the requests to use higher amounts of acacia also requested approval for an additional purpose, that is, to improve ``mouthfeel''; however, TTB's authority under 26 U.S.C. 5382 to authorize wine treating materials only extends to correcting or stabilizing the wine or the fruit juice from which it is made. As reflected in its implementing regulations in Sec. 24.246, TTB policy is to allow for wine treating materials that filter, clarify, or purify wine or juice as materials that correct or stabilize wine. Accordingly, TTB did not approve the use of acacia for the purpose of improving the ``mouthfeel'' of wine. TTB's administrative approvals authorized the use of acacia in the treatment of wine at a level of 16 pounds per 1,000 gallons of wine, which is equivalent to a maximum usage level of 2 percent. Subsequent to those administrative approvals, TTB learned that although the FDA regulation cited for acacia gum in Sec. 24.246 (Sec. 184.1330) is the correct citation, the beverage category listed in the table of FDA's regulation does not cover TTB's intended use in wine. This is because the FDA regulation further cites the food category definition in 21 CFR 170.3(n)(3), which does not cover use in wine. Accordingly, the correct category from the table in Sec. 184.1330 is ``all other food categories.'' This category has a limit of one percent acacia gum (rather than 2 percent); the functional effects for this category match TTB's uses as clarifying and stabilizing wine. TTB is correcting this mistake in this rulemaking by proposing to increase the maximum use rate of acacia gum in wine to 8 pounds per 1,000 gallons of wine. TTB's earlier administrative approvals authorizing the use of acacia at levels greater than 8 pounds per 1,000 gallons of wine are revoked. Bakers yeast mannoprotein: TTB is proposing to add bakers yeast mannoprotein, at a use rate of 50-400 milligram per liter (mg/L) of wine, to the list of approved wine and juice treating materials contained in Sec. 24.246. TTB administratively approved the use of bakers yeast mannoprotein to stabilize wine from the precipitation of potassium bitartrate crystals, in response to a number of requests from industry members. In response to GRAS Notice No. GRN 000284, the FDA stated that it had no questions regarding the notifier's conclusion that bakers yeast mannoprotein is GRAS for use as a stabilizing agent in wines at levels ranging from 50-400 milligrams per liter (mg/L), to prevent tartaric acid precipitation. In its administrative approval, TTB restricted the use of bakers yeast mannoprotein to 50-400 mg/L. Beta-glucanase having an enzyme activity derived from Trichoderma harzianum: TTB is proposing to add beta-glucanase, at a use rate of 30 parts per million (ppm) of wine, to the list of approved wine and juice treating materials contained in Sec. 24.246. TTB administratively approved the use of beta-glucanase having an enzyme activity derived from Trichoderma harzianum. Several industry members requested approval to treat wine with an enzymatic blend consisting of pectinase and beta- glucanase having an enzyme activity derived from Trichoderma harzianum. Pectinase is an approved wine treating material listed with carbohydrase in Sec. 24.246. While beta-glucanase is also approved as a wine treating material listed with cellulose in Sec. 24.246, that approval is limited to beta-glucanase having an enzyme activity derived from Trichoderma longibrachiatum. In response to GRAS Notice No. GRN 000149, FDA stated that it had no questions concerning the notifier's conclusion that the beta-glucanase enzyme preparation derived from Trichoderma harzianum is GRAS at the minimum levels necessary to achieve the desired effect, typically ranging from 1 to 3 grams per hectoliter of wine (10-30 ppm). In its administrative approval posted on https://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine_treating_materials.shtml in 2010, TTB inadvertently stated that the amount of beta-glucanase derived from Trichoderma harzianum used must not exceed 300 ppm. TTB is correcting this mistake in this rulemaking by aligning the proposed use rate with the rate stated in GRAS Notice No. GRN 000149. Accordingly, TTB is proposing to amend the table in Sec. 24.246 by adding to the entry on ``Enzymatic activity: Cellulase (beta-glucanase)'' a second source, Trichoderma harzianum, stating that its use must not exceed 30 ppm, and by referencing GRAS Notice No. [[Page 83756]] GRN 000149. TTB is soliciting comments on this proposed addition, the limitation of 30 ppm, and also on whether beta-glucanase enzymatic activity derived from Trichoderma longibrachiatum is still relevant for wine treatments. Biotin: TTB is proposing the addition of biotin to the list of authorized wine and juice treating materials in Sec. 24.246 as a yeast nutrient at a use rate not to exceed 25 parts per billion (ppb). TTB administratively approved an industry member's request to use biotin as a yeast nutrient in the production of wine. FDA has stated to TTB in an informal opinion that biotin can be used for the purpose of providing nutrients to yeast, and not to fortify the wine, where the levels of biotin remaining in the wine would be of a de minimis level. The Gusmer petition proposed a maximum use rate for biotin of 25 ppb. Calcium pantothenate (vitamin B5): TTB is proposing to amend Sec. 24.246 to expand the current authorized use of calcium pantothenate from use as a yeast nutrient in just apple wine to use as a yeast nutrient in all wine. TTB administratively approved an industry member's request to use calcium pantothenate as a yeast nutrient in the production of wine. FDA has stated to TTB in an informal opinion that calcium pantothenate can be used for the purpose of providing nutrients to yeast, and not to fortify the wine, where the levels of calcium pantothenate remaining in the wine would be of a de minimis level. TTB's administrative approval restricted its use to that which is consistent with good commercial practice. TTB is proposing to apply the same use limit as is provided for the use of calcium pantothenate in apple wine, that is, a use rate of 0.1 pound of calcium pantothenate per 25,000 gallons (1.5 ppm), and to allow for the use of calcium pantothenate for all juice and wine by removing the current apple wine limitation specified in Sec. 24.246. Chitosan: TTB is proposing to add chitosan from Aspergillus niger, at a use rate not to exceed 10 grams per 100 liters of wine, to the list of approved wine and juice treating materials contained in Sec. 24.246. TTB administratively approved several industry member requests to use chitosan from Aspergillus niger to remove spoilage organisms, such as Brettanomyces, from wine. In its response to GRAS Notice No. GRN 000397, FDA stated that it had no questions regarding the notifier's conclusion that chitosan from Aspergillus niger is GRAS for use as a secondary direct food ingredient in alcoholic beverage production at levels between 10 and 500 grams per hectoliter (100 liters). In its administrative approvals, TTB restricted the use of chitosan from Aspergillus niger to an amount not to exceed 10 grams per 100 liters of wine. Folic acid: TTB is proposing to add folic acid to the list of authorized wine and juice treating materials in Sec. 24.246 for use as a yeast nutrient at a use rate not to exceed 100 ppb. TTB administratively approved an industry member's request to use folic acid as a yeast nutrient in the production of wine. FDA has stated to TTB in an informal opinion, that folic acid can be used for the purpose of providing nutrients to the yeast, and not to fortify the wine, where the levels of folic acid remaining in the wine would be of a de minimis level. In TTB's administrative approval, TTB limited the use of folic acid to that which is consistent with good commercial practice and did not provide a specific use limit. The Gusmer petition proposed a maximum use rate of 100 ppb for folic acid when used as a yeast nutrient in the production of wine. Such a use rate will ensure that any folic acid remaining in the wine would be of a de minimis level. Inositol (myo-inositol): TTB is proposing to add inositol to the list of authorized wine and juice treating materials in Sec. 24.246 to be used as a yeast nutrient at a use rate not to exceed 2 ppm. TTB administratively approved an industry member's request to use inositol as a yeast nutrient in the production of wine. FDA has stated to TTB in an informal opinion that inositol could be used for the purpose of providing nutrients to the yeast, and not to fortify the wine, where the levels of inositol remaining in the wine would be of a de minimis level. In TTB's administrative approval, TTB restricted the use of inositol to that which is consistent with good commercial practice and did not provide a specific use limit. The Gusmer petition proposed a maximum use rate of 2 ppm for inositol when used as a yeast nutrient in the production of wine. The maximum use rate of 2 ppm will ensure that any inositol remaining in the wine would be of a de minimis level. L(+) tartaric acid: TTB administratively approved several industry member requests to use L(+) tartaric acid, prepared using an enzyme from immobilized Rhodococcus ruber cells, to correct natural acid deficiencies and to reduce pH when ameliorating material is used in the production of grape wine. Tartaric acid is currently listed in Sec. 24.246 as a material authorized for the treatment of wine and juice for these same purposes; however, the current reference in Sec. 24.246 is to the FDA regulation at 21 CFR 184.1099, which specifies that tartaric acid with the L configuration is obtained as a byproduct of wine manufacturing. In response to GRAS Notice No. GRN 000187 for L(+) tartaric acid (alternative method) prepared using an enzyme from immobilized Rhodococcus ruber cells, FDA stated that it had no questions regarding the notifiers' conclusion that the substance is GRAS for use as an alternative source of L(+) tartaric acid in food at levels not to exceed current good manufacturing practices for use as a firming agent, a flavor enhancer, a flavoring agent, a humectant, and a pH control agent, as described in 21 CFR 184.1099. The FDA also noted that the material is chemically identical to the tartaric acid affirmed as GRAS in 21 CFR 184.1099. Based on the FDA response to the GRAS notice and TTB's analysis of wine treated with L(+) tartaric acid, TTB is proposing to amend the entry for ``tartaric acid'' in the table at the end of Sec. 24.246 to indicate that ``tartaric acid'' may be manufactured by either the method specified in 21 CFR 184.1099 or the method specified in GRAS Notice No. GRN 000187, and to add the citation to the FDA GRAS notice in the ``Specific limitation'' column. Magnesium sulfate: TTB is proposing to add magnesium sulfate to the list of authorized wine and juice treating materials in Sec. 24.246 to be used as a yeast nutrient at a use rate not to exceed 15 ppm. TTB administratively approved an industry member's request to use magnesium sulfate as a yeast nutrient in the production of wine. FDA has stated to TTB in an informal opinion that magnesium sulfate can be used for the purpose of providing nutrients to yeast, and not to fortify the wine, where the levels of magnesium sulfate remaining in the wine would be of a de minimis level. In TTB's administrative approval, TTB restricted the use of magnesium sulfate as a yeast nutrient to that which is consistent with good commercial practice and did not provide a specific use limit. The Gusmer petition proposed a maximum use rate of 15 ppm for magnesium sulfate when used as a yeast nutrient in the production of wine. Niacin (vitamin B3): TTB is proposing to add niacin to the list of authorized wine and juice treating materials in Sec. 24.246 to be used as a yeast nutrient at a use rate not to exceed 1 ppm. TTB administratively approved an industry member's request to use niacin as a yeast nutrient in the production of wine. FDA has stated to TTB in an informal opinion that niacin can be used for the purpose of providing nutrients to yeast, [[Page 83757]] and not to fortify the wine, where the levels of niacin remaining in the wine would be of a de minimis level. In TTB's administrative approval, TTB restricted the use of niacin as a yeast nutrient to that which is consistent with good commercial practice and did not provide a specific use limit. The Gusmer petition proposed a maximum use rate of 1 ppm for niacin when used as a yeast nutrient in the production of wine. Polyvinyl-pyrrolidone (PVP)/polyvinylimadazole (PVI) polymer: In 2005, TTB began administratively approving industry member requests to use a polyvinyl-pyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinylimadazole (PVI) copolymer (PVP/PVI) as a wine treating material to be used for clarifying and stabilizing alcohol beverages. PVP had once been listed as an authorized wine treating material in ATF regulations at 27 CFR 240.1051, Materials Authorized for Treatment of Wine. Specifically, it was authorized as a clarifying agent for wine. After a 1990 recodification of 27 CFR part 240, ATF rescinded its approval of PVP as a wine treating material because it was no longer in use by wine producers. See T.D. ATF-299 (55 FR 24974). However, in the past several years TTB has received a number of requests to use the PVP/PVI copolymer as an authorized wine treating material. The PVP/PVI copolymer binds heavy metal ions and sulfides present in juice and wine, after which the bound materials and the PVI/PVP can be removed from the liquid during filtration. On July 5, 2003, FDA allowed BASF Corporation's Food Contact Substance (FCS) Notification for their PVP/PVI copolymer to become effective (FCN No. 320). Under section 409(h)(2)(C) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 348 (h)(2)(C)) a food contact notification (FCN) is only effective for the manufacturer or supplier identified in the notification. Persons who market a FCS based on an effective notification must be able to demonstrate that the notification is effective for their food contact substance. All persons who purchase a food contact substance manufactured or supplied by a manufacturer or supplier identified in an effective notification may rely on that notification to legally market or use the food contact substance for the use that is the subject of the notification, consistent with any limitations in that notification. According to FDA FCN No. 320, the blend ``is intended to be added directly to alcoholic beverages during the maturation process . . . is to be completely removed by filtration . . . and is limited to single use applications.'' The amount must not exceed 80 grams per 100 liters of wine. Based on FDA FCN No. 320, TTB's experience with the use of sulfide and metal reducing matrix sheets (which contain PVI and are approved wine treating processes listed in Sec. 24.248), and TTB's analysis of wine treated with the PVP/PVI copolymer, TTB is proposing to amend the table at the end of Sec. 24.246 by adding the PVP/PVI copolymer as described by FDA FCN No. 320 for use at a level not to exceed 80 grams per 100 liters of wine to remove heavy metal ions and sulfides from wine. Potato protein isolates: TTB is proposing to add potato protein isolates, at a use rate of 500 ppm or 50 grams per 100 liters (50 g/hL) of wine, as a fining agent, to the list of approved wine and juice treating materials contained in Sec. 24.246. TTB administratively approved an industry member's request to use potato protein isolates as a fining agent for wine. In response to GRAS Notice No. GRN 000447, FDA stated that it had no questions regarding the notifier's conclusion that potato protein isolates are GRAS for various technical effects in a variety of foods that include alcoholic beverages at levels ranging from 0.01 to 15 percent. In its administrative approval, TTB restricted the use of potato protein isolates to an amount not to exceed 500 ppm or 50 g/hL of wine for the purpose of fining wine. The proposed limitation is consistent with that of other countries. Pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6): TTB is proposing to add pyridoxine hydrochloride to the list of authorized wine and juice treating materials in Sec. 24.246 to be used as a yeast nutrient at a use rate not to exceed 150 ppb. TTB administratively approved an industry member's request to use pyridoxine hydrochloride as a yeast nutrient in the production of wine. FDA has stated to TTB in an informal opinion that pyridoxine hydrochloride can be used for the purpose of providing nutrients to yeast, and not to fortify the wine, where the levels of pyridoxine hydrochloride remaining in the wine would be of a de minimis level. In its administrative approval, TTB restricted the use of pyridoxine hydrochloride as a yeast nutrient to that which is consistent with good commercial practice and did not provide a specific use limit. The Gusmer petition proposed a maximum use rate of 150 ppb for pyridoxine hydrochloride when used as a yeast nutrient in the production of wine. Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose: TTB is proposing to add sodium carboxymethyl cellulose to the list of authorized wine and juice treating materials in Sec. 24.246, to be used to stabilize wine from tartrate precipitation at a level not to exceed 0.8 percent of the wine. TTB administratively approved several industry member requests to use sodium carboxymethyl cellulose to stabilize wine by preventing tartrate precipitation. FDA regulations at 21 CFR 182.1745 state that sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is GRAS when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice. In TTB's administrative approval, TTB restricted the use of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose to stabilize wine by preventing tartrate precipitation to an amount not to exceed 0.8 percent of the wine. Processes for the Treatment of Wine, Juice, and Distilling Material TTB is proposing to amend the regulations in Sec. 24.248, which set forth certain processes that TTB has approved as being consistent with good commercial practice for use by proprietors in the production, cellar treatment, or finishing of wine, juice, and distilling materials, within the limitations of that section. Please note that industry members are responsible for ensuring that any component used in an approved process, including materials in contact with wine or juice, is used in a way that is consistent with any applicable FDA regulations, including FDA food contact regulations. Cross Flow Filtration TTB is proposing to expand the authorized uses of nanofiltration and ultrafiltration in Sec. 24.248 to include dealcoholization (reduction of the alcohol content). Currently, nanofiltration is authorized to reduce the level of volatile acidity in wine when used with ion exchange. Ultrafiltration is authorized for use to remove proteinaceous material from wine; to reduce harsh tannic material from white wine produced from white skinned grapes; to remove pink color from blanc de noir wine; and to separate red wine into high color and low color wine fractions for blending purposes. Ultrafiltration has also been administratively approved to separate red juice into low color and high color fractions. (The administrative approval for ultrafiltration is discussed later in this document.) Both nanofiltration and ultrafiltration are capable of reducing alcohol content in wine, and this proposed liberalization will provide industry members with more tools to reduce the alcohol content of wine. However, as required with those processes for dealcoholization currently authorized in Sec. 24.248 (reverse osmosis, osmotic [[Page 83758]] transport, and spinning cone column), ultrafiltration and nanofiltration, when used to reduce the alcohol content of wine, must take place on distilled spirits plant premises. TTB also is proposing to place nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, and reverse osmosis under the umbrella term ``cross flow filtration.'' In cross flow filtration, the wine is passed across the filter membrane (tangentially) at positive pressure relative to the permeate side. A proportion of the wine which is smaller than the membrane pore size passes through the membrane as permeate or filtrate; everything else is retained on the feed side of the membrane as retentate. TTB is adding this definition of ``cross flow filtration'' as a footnote to the table at the end of Sec. 24.248. Reverse Osmosis in Combination With Osmotic Transport TTB administratively approved several requests to use reverse osmosis in combination with osmotic transport to reduce the ethyl alcohol content in wine. Reverse osmosis and osmotic transport are both separately listed in Sec. 24.248 as approved wine treatment processes to reduce the ethyl alcohol content of wine. Under this combined process, the wine to be treated is separated by reverse osmosis into two portions called permeate and concentrate streams. The alcohol rich permeate is then degassed, warmed, and pumped along one side of a completely hydrophobic microporous osmotic transport membrane, which is used to separate out the alcohol. The dealcoholized permeate is then recombined with the wine from which it was extracted, thus lowering the alcohol content of the wine. TTB is proposing to amend the table at the end of Sec. 24.248 by revising the listings for reverse osmosis and osmotic transport to state that each process can be used in combination with the other to reduce the ethyl alcohol content of wine. These processes, whether used separately or in combination, must take place on distilled spirits plant premises. Ultrafiltration In two separate requests, an industry member requested to use ultrafiltration to separate red grape juice into high and low color fractions for blending purposes, and to separate white grape juice that had darkened due to oxidation during storage into high and low color fractions for blending purposes. As described above, ultrafiltration is authorized for use under Sec. 24.248 to remove proteinaceous material from wine; to reduce harsh tannic material from white wine produced from white skinned grapes; to remove pink color from blanc de noir wine; and to separate red wine into low color and high color wine fractions for blending purposes. Since ultrafiltration is currently authorized under Sec. 24.248 to separate red wine into low color and high color fractions for blending, TTB administratively approved use of ultrafiltration to separate red grape juice into low and high color fractions and is proposing to amend the table at the end of Sec. 24.248 accordingly. TTB did not administratively approve the use of ultrafiltration to separate high and low colored fractions of discolored white grape juice, but as discussed under the heading ``Other Issues for Public Comment and Possible Regulatory Action'' in this document, invites comments on whether this practice constitutes good commercial practice. Use of Wood To Treat Natural Wine Section 24.246 currently authorizes the use of uncharred and untreated oak chips or particles to smooth wine. TTB's predecessor agency had a longstanding policy allowing the use of ``toasted'' wood as a wine treating material, and TTB has issued several private letter rulings allowing this use. In addition, wooden storage tanks used for the addition of spirits to wine may be used for the baking of wine under Sec. 24.225. TTB is proposing a new 27 CFR 24.185 to clarify TTB's policy on the treatment of wine with wood contact. Section 24.185(a) would clarify that natural wine may be treated by contact with any wood that is consistent with the food additive requirements under the FD&C Act and that wood may be toasted, but not charred. Toasted wood refers to wood that has been heated but has not undergone combustion (that is, hasn't been burned or blackened). TTB is authorizing the use of toasted wood in this proposal. Section 24.185(b) would state TTB's position on the use of wood essences and extracts in the production of wine. TTB is also proposing to remove the last sentence from Sec. 24.225 (``Wooden storage tanks used for the addition of spirits may be used for the baking of wine'') and include it in the new Sec. 24.185, and to remove the reference to oak chips from Sec. 24.246 and include it in new Sec. 24.185, in an effort to maintain in one location all regulatory provisions pertaining to the treatment of wine with wood. Wine Spirits/Revision of Sec. 24.225 TTB is proposing to amend Sec. 24.225 by removing the last sentence as described above, by revising the section heading, and by dividing the text into paragraph (a), covering withdrawal of spirits, paragraph (b), covering production and use of wine spirits, and paragraph (c), covering spirits other than wine spirits, and by otherwise revising the text, in order to accomplish the following: To incorporate the terms of section 5373(a) of the IRC related to standards for the production of wine spirits, including that portion of section 5373(a) that reads, ``where, in the production of natural wine or special natural wine, sugar has been used, the wine or the residuum thereof may not be used if the unfermented sugars therein have been refermented.'' The proposed text clarifies and simplifies this statutory language without changing the meaning or intent, which TTB believes is to prevent the production of wine spirits by refermenting wine to develop alcohol from sugar added to the wine after fermentation. To allow the use of lower-proof spirits in wine production in certain circumstances. Section 5373(a) of the IRC sets a general standard of 140 degrees of proof or above for wine spirits used in wine production but also provides for two exceptions to this rule: (1) Distillation may be at less than 140 degrees of proof if regulations so provide; and (2) commercial brandy aged in wood for not less than 2 years, and barreled at not less than 100 degrees of proof, is deemed to be wine spirits for purposes of section 5373(a). TTB believes that allowing the byproducts of alcohol reduction to be used as wine spirits if they are 100 degrees of proof or more is consistent with the intent of the statute. TTB notes that these alcohol reduction treatments, which are listed in Sec. 24.248, must be performed at a qualified distilled spirits plant because they result in a spirits byproduct. Thus, when the wine subjected to alcohol reduction is natural wine or special natural wine (and is subject to the other conditions of section 5373(a) and Sec. 24.225), the alcohol-containing byproduct would still constitute wine spirits even though the spirits may not have been distilled at or above 140 degrees of proof. Accordingly, TTB is proposing, in revised Sec. 24.225, to allow spirits derived from authorized alcohol reduction treatments to be used as wine spirits if the spirits were distilled at 100 degrees of proof or more and if the spirits conform to the other terms of section 5373(a) as reflected in the revised regulatory text. To clarify the status of wine spirits derived from special natural wine. This source of spirits was codified in section 5373(a) of the IRC, which also authorized the Secretary of the Treasury [[Page 83759]] to impose conditions on the use of special natural wine to make wine spirits. TTB is proposing to specify in the revised text that wine spirits derived from special natural wine may only be used in the production of special natural wine when such wine spirits contain a distinctive flavor from the ingredients used in the originating special natural wine. Within the proposed new paragraph (b) text, subparagraphs (1) through (3) primarily reflect the terms of section 5373(a) of the IRC that TTB believes should be reflected in the regulatory text as discussed above, and subparagraph (4) primarily reflects the existing Sec. 24.225 text. Accidental Water Additions TTB is proposing to add a new 27 CFR 24.251, to provide for the correction of standard wine when the wine becomes other than standard wine due to accidental water additions in excess of the authorized levels provided for in 27 CFR part 24, subparts F and L. Accidental water additions can occur during production of wine at various stages, for example during filtration when water is accidentally left in a tank that is later filled with wine. TTB has received requests from industry members who wish to be allowed to take corrective action regarding these water additions. To correct wine that has been diluted with water is referred to within TTB as ``to salvage.'' The most common way to salvage wine is to remove the water accidentally added to the wine through the use of reverse osmosis, in combination with distillation. The reverse osmosis creates a colorless and flavorless permeate, essentially consisting of alcohol and water. The permeate is distilled to create a high ethanol fraction and a low ethanol fraction. The high ethanol fraction is returned to the wine and the low ethanol fraction is discarded. Through the use of reverse osmosis and distillation, the industry member removes the accidentally added water and raises the alcohol by volume of the wine back to its level before the accidental water addition, without affecting the vinous character of the wine. TTB has approved the use of reverse osmosis and distillation to remove water from wine under TTB's authority in Sec. 24.249. In those reviews, TTB considered how the accidental water addition occurred, the ratio of water to wine, and whether or not the requesting industry member has submitted similar requests in the past. TTB applied the following conditions to those approvals. The industry member must: Return the wine to its original condition; Transfer the wine to and from the distilled spirits plant for treatment in bond; Not remove more water than was accidentally added; Not alter the vinous character of the wine; and Keep the usual and customary records of the processing. TTB believes that proprietors should have the authority to remove small amounts of accidentally added water from wine using reverse osmosis and distillation without first seeking TTB approval. Proposed Sec. 24.251 sets forth authority and standards to allow for removal of accidental additions of water of not more than 10 percent of the original volume of the wine without the need to first seek TTB approval. Proposed Sec. 24.251 also allows the appropriate TTB officer to approve other removals of accidentally added water upon application by a proprietor and sets forth the requirements for submitting an application to TTB. It also specifies that, in evaluating any request under this section, the appropriate TTB officer may consider as a factor whether the proprietor has demonstrated good commercial practices, taking into account the proprietor's prior history of accidental dilutions of water to wine and of compliance with other regulations in part 24. TTB has also received requests to allow wine to be salvaged by blending the accidentally diluted wine with standard wine to reduce the level of unauthorized water addition to less than 1 percent of the volume of the blended wine. The requesters have asserted that, since Sec. 24.246 provides that when a wine or juice treating material is used and water is added to facilitate the solution or dispersal of the material, the volume of water added may not exceed 1 percent of the juice or wine, reduction of the accidentally added water to less than 1 percent by blending wines meets the intent of the regulations. TTB has not approved these requests because the accidental addition of water renders the wine an ``other than standard'' wine, and such wine cannot be blended with standard wine. Also, TTB's authority to approve experimental or new wine treatments under Sec. Sec. 24.249 and 24.250 does not extend to blending of wine, which is not a wine treatment or process. Additionally, wine diluted with water in excess of that permitted in part 24 renders the wine ``other than standard'' (see 27 CFR 24.218). Section 24.218 provides that other than standard wine must be segregated from standard wine, and accordingly the blending of standard and other than standard wine generally is not permitted under TTB's regulations. While TTB has not previously approved these requests, TTB notes that current Sec. 24.246 permits the addition to wine of a limited amount of water with a wine treating material without affecting the classification of the wine as a standard wine. Accordingly, TTB believes that the regulations should be changed to recognize that the accidental addition of water to a standard wine that represents 1 percent or less of the total volume of the wine does not render the wine other than standard. TTB also believes that blending wine should be permitted to reduce the accidentally added water to 1 percent or less of the total volume of the blended wine, and the resultant blended wine should be considered standard wine. Accordingly, TTB has incorporated these two provisions into a new section, proposed Sec. 24.186, with a reference to a new Sec. 24.251, regarding accidental additions of water to wine. Other Proposed Regulatory Amendments In addition to the changes discussed above, this document includes the following proposed regulatory amendments: Definitions As a consequence of the proposed changes to Sec. 24.225(a), discussed above, TTB is proposing to revise the definition of ``wine spirits'' in Sec. 24.10 to include a reference to that regulatory provision. Wood Essences TTB is proposing to amend Sec. 24.85, which concerns essences, by adding the term ``wood'' as an additional example of a source material for essences used in the production of formula wine. (The TTB regulations at 27 CFR 24.10 define formula wine as special natural wine, agricultural wine, and other than standard wine (except for distilling material and vinegar stock) produced on bonded wine permises under an approval formula.) TTB believes that it is appropriate to add wood to this provision to reflect a longstanding policy that an extract of wood made using any solvent but wine should be treated as an essence or flavoring material. List of Authorized Wine and Juice Treating Materials TTB is proposing to amend the heading in paragraph (a) of Sec. 24.246 to read ``Wine and juice'' rather than just ``Wine.'' This is a clarifying change. TTB is also proposing numerous [[Page 83760]] technical and clarifying changes to the table in Sec. 24.246. A significant portion of these technical changes involves revising the measurement references specified for the limitation on use of the authorized wine treating materials by making the notation of units of measurement consistent throughout the chart, supplying closing parentheses where they were absent, and removing decimal points followed only by zeroes. In addition, where units are only in U.S. Common (English) units or SI (International Standard, or metric) units, TTB is adding the other unit of measure for reference purposes, where appropriate. Since the majority of the units are expressed in U.S. Common units first and then in SI units, TTB is proposing to continue with that convention. TTB is including a footnote reference after each use of ppm and ppb in the chart to indicate parts per million and parts per billion, respectively. TTB is also including a definition of the word ``stabilize'' at the end of the chart and footnoting every appearance of the word ``stabilize'' with a ``1'' in the table. TTB is also adding a third column to the table in Sec. 24.246 titled ``FDA reference''. This new column contains references to relevant FDA regulations in title 21 of the CFR, FDA GRAS notifications, and FDA advisory opinions. These references have been moved to this new column wherever such a reference appears in the table. The ``FDA reference'' column provides a limit or reference where there is no ``Specific limit'' listed for a wine treating material. FDA recently provided TTB with a new advisory opinion dated September 8, 2016, updating their acceptance of TTB's approval for certain materials as wine and juice treating materials. This new advisory opinion was necessary because in some cases, TTB's current listing of FDA's acceptance of the material as a wine treating material was not entirely accurate because those references were not specific to the use of wine. In other cases, references to old advisory opinions were subsequently revoked by FDA rulemaking. TTB is replacing the current FDA references in Sec. 24.246 with an updated reference to an advisory opinion in which FDA stated ``We have evaluated the list of substances * * * along with their proposed limitations for use in wine and juice treatment and conclude that they are safe under the conditions of their intended use. We would not question a conclusion that these uses of substances added to wine would be generally recognized as safe (GRAS).'' Accordingly, TTB is updating the FDA reference for: Acetaldehyde, activated carbon, albumen (egg white), casein, potassium salt of casein, gelatin, potassium bi-tartrate, silica gel (colloidal silicon dioxide), and tannin. FDA also provided TTB with an advisory opinion dated August 29, 2016, regarding the use of current and proposed yeast nutrients. With regard to current yeast nutrients, FDA indicated that the use of yeast nutrients as a treatment for wine is not listed in its regulations or GRAS notices. FDA did, however, state: ``We have evaluated the list of yeast nutrients * * * along with their proposed limitations for use prior to and during juice fermentations for wine production, taking into consideration: (1) Their likely consumption by yeasts and bacteria [is] likely to be largely consumed during fermentations and (2) their likely presence in finished wine products at levels that would not exceed those in unprocessed grape juice. We conclude that [the] increase in human dietary exposure to the substances resulting from their addition to wine juice is de minimis with respect to human nutrition, [and that] they are safe under the conditions of their intended use. Such levels would be far below any level that would result in a safety concern for any of these substances. Thus, we would not consider this very low level exposure to be significant and we would not question a conclusion that these uses of substances added to wine as yeast nutrients would be GRAS.'' Accordingly, TTB is updating the FDA reference for calcium panthothenate, soy flour, thiamine, yeast autolyzed, and yeast cell wall/membranes of autolyzed yeast. Due to the large number of proposed changes to Sec. 24.246, this document presents those changes as a revision of the entire section. Finally, TTB is proposing to make the following other changes to the current entries in the table: Activated carbon: One of the entries in the ``Materials and use'' column currently refers to removing color in wine and/or juice from which the wine was produced. TTB is proposing to refer instead to removing color from wine and/or juice, for clarity. Albumen: In the ``Specific limitation'' column, TTB is adding the words ``of brine'' in the second sentence after the word ``Usage'' and removing the words ``of solution.'' Ammonium phosphate (mono- and di basic): TTB is revising the name of the material to include ``diammonium phosphate'' and including it on the list of yeast nutrients in the table in Sec. 24.246. (TTB is also making a conforming change revising the name of the material in Sec. 24.247.) Calcium carbonate: TTB is adding the abbreviation ``CaCO 3 '' and, in the ``Materials and use'' column, TTB is replacing the word ``and'' with the word ``or'' in the first use entry and replacing the word ``A'' with the words ``As a'' in the second use entry.Casein, potassium salt of casein: In the ``Specific limitation'' column, TTB is referring only to the citation ``27 CFR 24.243'' and removing references to FDA's GRAS opinions. Citric acid: In the ``Materials and use'' column, TTB is adding the words ``certain juice or'' after the word ``in'' in the first use entry. The limitations on what types of juice or wine may be treated with citric acid may be found in the regulations cited in the ``Specific limitation'' column. Copper sulfate: In the ``Specific limitation'' column, TTB is removing the word ``added'' after the word ``sulfate'' and adding the words ``added to wine'' after the first parenthetical. Dimethyl dicarbonate: For purposes of clarity, TTB is adding the abbreviation ``(DMDC)'' after the material name ``Dimethyl dicarbonate'' and removing the phrases ``dealcoholized wine,'' and ``low alcohol wine,'' from the entry to reduce redundancy. Ferrocyanide: TTB believes that ferrocyanide compounds are no longer available on the United States market and no longer being used by the U.S. wine industry. Accordingly, TTB is removing ``ferrocyanide'' from the list of authorized wine treating materials. Milk products: With the publication of T.D. ATF-350 (58 FR 52222) in the Federal Register on October 7, 1993, ATF approved the use of milk products as a fining agent in white grape wine or sherry. With the publication of T.D. TTB-17 (69 FR 67639) in the Federal Register on November 19, 2004, TTB extended this approval to all wines. The listing in Sec. 24.246 for the use of milk products, revised in 2004, reads, ``Fining agent for grape wine or sherry.'' TTB believes this phrase may cause confusion because under the standards of identity in Sec. 4.21(a) sherry is a grape wine. Accordingly, TTB is amending the first listed use in the ``Materials and use'' column for this entry to read: ``Fining agent for grape wine.'' Oxygen and compressed air: In the ``Materials and use'' column, TTB is replacing the words ``May be used in juice and wine'' with the words ``Various uses in juice and wine.'' Polyvinyl-polypry-rolidone (PVPP): In the ``Materials and use'' column, TTB is making a technical change by [[Page 83761]] removing the phrase ``black wine.'' In the ``Specific limitation'' column, TTB is replacing the two asterisk footnote references with a reference to footnote ``3'' after the abbreviation ``AOAC.'' Sorbic acid and potassium salt of sorbic acid: In the ``Materials and use'' column, TTB is adding the words ``potassium sorbate'' in parentheses before the colon. Sulfur dioxide: Sulfur dioxide was added to the list of approved materials with the issuance of T.D. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-6475 (25 FR 6184) in 1960. At that time, the stated use of sulfur dioxide was to sterilize and preserve wine. The list of authorized treating materials in 1960 was codified in 26 CFR 240.1051 and was titled ``Materials authorized for treatment of wine.'' Through the publication of T.D. ATF-182 (49 FR 37510) in 1984, ATF retitled the list of authorized wine treating materials as ``Materials authorized for treatment of wine and juice.'' In T.D. ATF-182, the comment discussion refers to the use of sulfur dioxide in wine as ``necessary, common to, and historically documented in winemaking,'' and it is further referred to in the use of juice for purposes of winemaking twice on page 37513, under the subheading Antimicrobial Agents. Sulfur dioxide is GRAS in the FDA regulations at 21 CFR 182.3862 as a chemical preservative. Section 182.3862 states that sulfur dioxide cannot be applied to fruit that is intended to be served or sold raw to consumers. Juice to be used in the production of wine is not fruit to be served or sold raw to consumers; thus, the use of sulfur dioxide in juice that will be used in the production of wine is GRAS. Further, 27 CFR 24.176 authorizes the use of sterilizing agents in juice. Accordingly, TTB is correcting the entry for sulfur dioxide to include its use in juice. Thiamine hydrochloride: As noted above, the yeast nutrient Thiamine hydrochloride will be re-organized and grouped under the heading, ``Yeast nutrients'' with the other yeast nutrients. Shall vs. must: Finally, to promote the use of plain language, TTB is also proposing to change ``shall'' to ``must'' wherever the former appears in the affected regulations. TTB is proposing to amend Sec. 24.250(a)(4) to require that an industry member must provide documentary evidence from the FDA showing that the proposed material is consistent with the food additive requirements under the FD&C Act for its intended purpose in the amounts proposed for the particular treatment contemplated. This differs from the original text in that it is not requiring documentary evidence that the FDA has ``approved'' the use of the proposed material. This editorial change is consistent with similar changes in Sec. Sec. 24.246 and 24.248. Other Issues for Public Comment and Possible Regulatory Action In addition to the comments TTB is soliciting on the proposed regulatory changes contained in this document, as discussed above, TTB is inviting public comments on a number of other regulatory issues to assist TTB in determining whether it would be appropriate to incorporate additional changes to part 24 in a final rule. Most of these issues were raised in petitions for rulemaking or arose in connection with wine treatment approval requests under Sec. Sec. 24.249 or 24.250, and in each case, TTB determined that more information would be required before a decision could be taken on whether, and if so how, appropriate regulatory changes should be proposed. The issues in question, and the specific points on which TTB is requesting public comments, are outlined below. TTB requests comments and, where appropriate, evidence supporting the position that the particular wine treatment is consistent with good commercial practice. If applicable, use rates should be recommended, and the rationale as to why those use rates are recommended should be stated in any comments. Alcoholic Oak Extract In 2008, Oak Tannin Technologies submitted a petition to amend the regulations to allow ``alcoholic oak extracts for use in natural wines as a stabilizing, enriching and integrating agent.'' The petitioner stated that use of such extracts in wine is approved by the South African Wine and Spirit Board. However, TTB understands that South Africa passed legislation that actually prohibits the use of such extracts in natural wines. In addition, TTB and its predecessor agencies' longstanding policy has been to treat such materials as essences or extracts, which, under Sec. 24.85, may be used only in the production of formula wines except agricultural wine. As noted earlier in this document, TTB approves the use of wine treating materials for, among other things, the stabilization, clarification, and filtration of natural wine based on the materials' acceptance in good commercial practice. In order to assist TTB in determining whether it would be appropriate to propose a specific regulatory change in response to this petition, TTB is inviting comments regarding the use of an alcoholic oak extract in the production of natural wines, in particular, as a material for use as a wine stabilizer, but also for any other purpose that is consistent with good commercial practice. TTB also advises that a manufacturer of alcoholic oak extract must contact FDA and go through the FDA pre- market review processes. Lactic Acid In 2007, Hyman, Philips, & McNamara, P.C. petitioned TTB to amend 27 CFR 24.182 and 24.246 to allow use of lactic acid in juice, must, and wine prior to fermentation. Lactic acid is most commonly found in dairy products and is a common component in both plant and animal metabolic processes. Under Sec. 24.246, lactic acid is currently authorized for use in grape wine to correct natural acid deficiencies. In the table in Sec. 24.246, the entry in the ``Reference or limitation'' column for lactic acid simply provides a citation to 27 CFR 24.182 and 24.192. Section 24.192 then refers back to the limitations on the use of acid, among other things, prescribed in Sec. 24.182. The regulations in Sec. 24.182 state that acids of the kinds occurring in grapes or other fruit (including berries) may be added within the limitations of Sec. 24.246 to juice or wine in order to correct natural deficiencies. Section 24.182 also states that, after fermentation is completed, citric acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, or tartaric acid, or a combination of two or more of these acids, may be added to correct natural deficiencies. The petitioner noted that lactic acid is currently allowed by Sec. 24.246 for treatment of wine after fermentation and provided evidence that lactic acid may be added before fermentation in certain other countries. Further, the petitioner noted that lactic acid is less expensive and more reliably available than tartaric acid. TTB is not proposing any changes to the regulations concerning the use of lactic acid in this document; however, TTB invites comments regarding whether or not the use of lactic acid prior to fermentation is good commercial practice in the production of natural wine. Comments should address whether or not lactic acid should be authorized for use prior to the fermentation of natural wine and provide detailed evidence supporting the stated position. [[Page 83762]] Reverse Osmosis To Enhance the Phenol Flavor and Characteristics of Wine and To Reduce the Water Content of Standard Wine Section 24.248 currently provides for the use of reverse osmosis to reduce the ethyl alcohol content of wine and to remove off flavors in wine. However, in 2014, Constellation Wines U.S. Inc. submitted a petition to TTB requesting an expansion of the authorized uses of reverse osmosis in Sec. 24.248 to include (1) improving the phenol and flavor character of wine, and (2) reducing the water content in standard wine. The petition included the following arguments in support of this change: Reverse osmosis can effectively eliminate the weak and watery character of the retentate (which, as a product of the reverse osmosis process, is considered to be standard wine but with reduced levels of alcohol and water), resulting in a wine with improved phenol and flavor characteristics. The present situation puts U.S. winemakers at a competitive disadvantage in the global marketplace in two ways. First, the petitioner asserts that many foreign countries permit the use of reverse osmosis as an acceptable winemaking practice to concentrate phenols and flavors in wine and in grape must. Exported U.S. wines, which cannot be produced in this way under the current regulations, would not reflect these characteristics in those foreign markets. Second, under the terms of section 5382 of the IRC, most imported wines that were subjected to such a process would be allowed to compete in the U.S. market against domestic wines to which that process may not be applied. Reverse osmosis benefits grape growers, winemakers, and consumers. The expanded use of reverse osmosis would allow grape growers to sell more grapes, particularly those of marginal quality, to winemakers who could produce better quality standard wine with such grapes. Winemakers would be able to produce better quality wine at lower costs, and consumers would be able to purchase better quality wine at lower prices. The expanded use of reverse osmosis would provide winemakers with better ability to regulate the alcohol content of wines. TTB notes that the byproduct of reverse osmosis (the retentate) is only considered to be standard wine if the wine that was processed with reverse osmosis was standard wine. TTB understands that the European Union (EU) only authorizes the use of reverse osmosis to remove water from wine in cold and wet regions and that wine produced with the use of reverse osmosis in the EU must be labeled as ``table wine.'' TTB's counterparts in Australia indicate that while authorized, reverse osmosis is not a process officially recognized in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, and is not used frequently. TTB understands that South Africa authorizes the use of reverse osmosis on juice but not wine. TTB has not received other requests from industry members to use reverse osmosis to improve the phenol and flavor character of wine. However, TTB did receive a request to use reverse osmosis to improve the ``sensory quality'' of finished wines and to evaluate the potential sensory benefit of water content reduction compared to the resultant loss of volume. TTB has received and approved industry member requests to use reverse osmosis in combination with distillation to reduce the water content of wine only for the purpose of salvage, discussed above, rather than as a winemaking process to improve the character of the wine. In salvage, the removal of water returns the wine to its previous condition and, as a condition of approval, TTB strictly limited the amount of water to be removed to no more than the amount that had been accidentally added to the wine. TTB believes that it should provide the public the opportunity to comment before it makes a decision on whether the removal of water from wine to improve the characteristics of the wine would be acceptable in good commercial practice. To assist TTB in deciding whether to adopt any specific regulatory change in this regard, TTB is inviting comments on whether the use of reverse osmosis to reduce the water content of wine, improve the phenol and flavor character of wine, or to improve the sensory quality of the wine would be acceptable in good commercial practice. If you believe that the use of reverse osmosis for these purposes is consistent with good commercial practice, your comments should explain your position in detail, as well as provide guidelines/ standards concerning how much water (maximum percentage) may be removed. If you believe that the use of reverse osmosis for these purposes is not consistent with good commercial practice, your comments should explain your position in detail. Ultrafiltration As previously discussed, an industry member requested to use ultrafiltration to separate white grape juice that had darkened due to oxidation during storage into high and low color fractions for blending purposes. The low color fraction would be blended with white wine, and the high color fraction would be blended with red wine. Ultrafiltration is authorized for use under Sec. 24.248 to separate red wine into low color and high color wine fractions for blending purposes; but the regulations do not provide for the use of ultrafiltration to separate white wine. TTB believes it should provide the public with the opportunity to comment before it makes a decision on whether the use of ultrafiltration to separate discolored wine for blending as described above would be acceptable in good commercial practice. If you wish to submit a comment on this matter, your comment should explain in detail your position as to why the use of ultrafiltration in this manner is or is not acceptable in good commercial practice. Yeast Nutrients (Gusmer Petition) The following list of vitamins and minerals were proposed in the Gusmer petition as yeast nutrients in the production of wine but have not been administratively approved by TTB pursuant to Sec. 24.250: Cobalamin (vitamin B12), iodine (potassium iodide), iron, manganese sulfate, nickel, potassium chloride, riboflavin (Vitamin B2), and zinc sulfate. With the exception of riboflavin, TTB has not received requests under Sec. Sec. 24.249 or 24.250 to use these vitamins and minerals as yeast nutrients in the production of wine. TTB did not administratively approve the use of riboflavin as a yeast nutrient because the evidence submitted with the request was not sufficient to conclude that the use of riboflavin as a yeast nutrient is consistent with good commercial practice. Gusmer provided information on the FDA regulatory status, functional roles, and use rates for the following vitamins and minerals as yeast nutrients. TTB is interested in receiving comments supporting or rejecting the argument that the use of these vitamins and minerals as yeast nutrients in the production of wine is consistent with good commercial practice. Unless otherwise noted, the information that follows was supplied by Gusmer. Cobalamin (vitamin B12): Cobalamin is used to promote growth of yeast, and Gusmer proposed that cobalamin be used at a rate not to exceed 15 ppb. Iodine (potassium iodide): Iodine is required for yeast growth and fermentation, and Gusmer proposed that iodine be used at a rate not to exceed 10 ppb. [[Page 83763]] Iron: Iron is a catalyst for oxidation reactions, and Gusmer proposed that iron be used at a rate not to exceed 2 ppm. Manganese sulfate: Manganese sulfate is a pale pink, odorless powder that is freely soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol. Gusmer proposed that manganese sulfate be used at a rate not to exceed 100 ppb. Nickel: Nickel is a catalyst for hydrogenation, and Gusmer proposed that nickel be used at a rate not to exceed 5 ppm. Potassium chloride: Potassium chloride is a salt that disassociates into ions that are necessary for phosphate uptake by yeast. Gusmer proposed that potassium chloride be used at a rate not to exceed 100 ppm. Riboflavin (vitamin B2): Riboflavin is used as a coenzyme in oxidation/reduction reactions, and Gusmer proposed riboflavin be used at a rate not to exceed 600 ppb. Zinc sulfate: Zinc sulfate increases alcohol tolerance, and Gusmer proposed zinc sulfate be used at a rate not to exceed 1.5 ppm. Public Participation Comments Sought TTB requests comments from the public and all interested parties. TTB is particularly interested in comments that address the question of whether a particular material, process, or practice addressed in this document is consistent with good commercial practice. Please support your comment with specific information about the material, process, or practice in question. After TTB analyzes any comments received in response to the regulatory amendments TTB has proposed in this document, we plan to issue a final rule. If TTB receives comments and evidence that persuade it that the use of a particular wine treating material or process is not consistent with good commercial practice, TTB will not include it in the final rule. As a result, and as stated in previously issued administrative approvals, if TTB has determined that the use of a wine or juice treating material or process is not consistent with good commercial practice, previous approvals of that wine or juice treating material or process will be rescinded by operation of law on the effective date of the final rule. Additionally, if TTB has determined that the authorized amount of a wine or juice treating material should be decreased because its current authorized amount is not consistent with good commercial practice, previous approvals authorizing the higher amount of that wine or juice treating material will be rescinded on the effective date of the final rule. Wines produced using treatments pursuant to an administrative approval that has been rescinded based upon this rulemaking may nevertheless be labeled as if the materials or processes were authorized, provided such treatments were used prior to the date of rescission. Submitting Comments You may submit comments on the proposals described in this document by using one of the following three methods: Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: You may send comments via the online comment form linked to this document in Docket No. TTB-2016-0010 on ``Regulations.gov,'' the Federal e-rulemaking portal, at https://www.regulations.gov. Direct links to the comment form and docket are available under Notice No. 164 on the TTB Web site at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine-rulemaking.shtml. Supplemental files may be attached to comments submitted via Regulations.gov. For information on how to use Regulations.gov, click on the site's Help tab. U.S. Mail: You may send comments via postal mail to the Director, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Box 12, Washington, DC 20005. Hand Delivery/Courier: You may hand-carry your comments or have them hand-carried to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Suite 400, Washington, DC 20005. Please submit your comments by the closing date shown above in this document. Your comments must reference Notice No. 164 and include your name and mailing address. Your comments also must be made in English, be legible, and be written in language acceptable for public disclosure. TTB does not acknowledge receipt of comments, and TTB considers all comments as originals. In your comment, please clearly state if you are commenting for yourself or on behalf of an association, business, or other entity. If you are commenting on behalf of an entity, your comment must include the entity's name, as well as your name and position title. If you comment via Regulations.gov, please enter the entity's name in the ``Organization'' blank of the online comment form. If you comment via postal mail or hand delivery/courier, please submit your entity's comment on letterhead. You may also write to the Administrator before the comment closing date to ask for a public hearing. The Administrator reserves the right to determine whether to hold a public hearing. Confidentiality All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or that is inappropriate for public disclosure. Public Disclosure On the Federal e-rulemaking portal, Regulations.gov, TTB will post, and the public may view, copies of this document, selected supporting materials, and any electronic or mailed comments TTB receives about this proposal. A direct link to the Regulations.gov docket containing this document and the posted comments on it is available on the TTB Web site at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine-rulemaking.shtml under Notice No. 164. You may also reach the docket containing this document and the posted comments received on it through the Regulations.gov search page at https://www.regulations.gov. All posted comments will display the commenter's name, organization (if any), city, and State, and, in the case of mailed comments, all address information, including email addresses. TTB may omit voluminous attachments or material that TTB considers unsuitable for posting. You and other members of the public may view copies of this document, all supporting materials, and any electronic or mailed comments TTB receives about these proposals by appointment at the TTB Information Resource Center, 1310 G Street NW., Washington, DC 20005. You may also obtain copies at 20 cents per 8.5- x 11-inch page. Contact TTB's information specialist at the above address or by telephone at 202-453-2270 to schedule an appointment or to request copies of comments or other materials. Regulatory Flexibility Act Pursuant to the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6), TTB certifies that these proposed regulations, if adopted, would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This proposed rule provides for the voluntary use of additional wine and juice treating materials and [[Page 83764]] processes in the production of wine. This authorization does not impose any required change to current winemaking practices, nor does it impose additional compliance burden on small businesses. TTB authorizes new wine treating materials and processes by evaluating proprietors' requests to experiment with such materials and processes, such requests being made via letterhead application to TTB. This rule, if adopted, would allow for certain treatments, under limited circumstances, without the submission of a letterhead application to TTB. TTB estimates that the proposed regulation will reduce the number of respondents by approximately 10 applicants per year, thus slightly reducing the overall burden of the information collection. In addition, TTB currently requires wineries to maintain usual and customary business records. Included in these records are those records that evidence the details and results of experiments approved by TTB under Sec. 24.249. This recordkeeping requirement remains unchanged by this proposal as wineries subject to this part still will be required to maintain those usual and customary records. This proposal has a neutral effect on the current recordkeeping requirements. Because this proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities no regulatory flexibility analysis is required. Pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 7805(f), TTB will submit the proposed regulations to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comment on the impact of the proposed regulations on small businesses. Paperwork Reduction Act Two collections of information approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) would be affected by the adoption of the proposed regulatory changes described in this document. These collections of information, approved in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507), are assigned control numbers 1513-0057, titled, ``Letterhead Applications and Notices Relating to Wine (TTB REC 5120/ 2),'' and 1513-0115, titled ``Usual and Customary Business Records Relating to Wine (TTB REC 5120/1).'' An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid control number assigned by OMB. OMB Control Number 1513-0057 TTB authorizes new wine treating materials and processes by evaluating proprietors' requests to experiment with such materials and processes under Sec. 24.249. Section 24.249 states, in part, that such requests must be made in the form of an application filed with TTB. Under this authorization, TTB has approved proprietors' requests to take corrective action when water has been accidentally added to wine in amounts exceeding those authorized for the production of standard wine under 27 CFR part 24. In this notice, TTB is proposing to add a new Sec. 24.251 to provide for the correction of accidentally diluted wine under certain circumstances without the submission of a letterhead application to TTB. TTB estimates that the proposed regulation will reduce the number of respondents by approximately 10 applicants per year and, therefore, will slightly reduce the information collection's overall burden. TTB estimates that, as a result of the proposed amendments, the new annual burden for control number 1513-0057 will be as follows: Estimated total annual reporting and/or recordkeeping burden: 820 hours. Estimated average annual burden hours per respondent: 0.5 hours (30 minutes). Estimated number of respondents: 1,640. Estimated annual frequency of respondents: 1. Comments on this collection of information should be sent to OMB to Office of Management and Budget, Attention: Desk Officer for the Department of the Treasury, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Washington, DC 20503; or email to [email protected]. A copy also should be sent to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau by any of the methods previously described. Comments on the information collection should be submitted not later than January 23, 2017. OMB Control Number 1513-0115 Under TTB's authority in 26 U.S.C. 5367, 5369, 5370, and 5555, TTB requires wineries to maintain usual and customary business records. Included in these records are those evidencing the details and results of experiments approved by TTB under Sec. 24.249. The proposed regulations contained in this document provide for a recordkeeping requirement in new Sec. 24.251 when wine is corrected for accidental water dilutions. The recordkeeping requirement in this proposed section is already accounted for under OMB Control Number 1513-0115 because such requests currently are treated as experiments under Sec. 24.249. Therefore, TTB does not believe that there is a change in the burden for this recordkeeping requirement, even for those wineries that are exempted from submitting a letterhead request under Sec. 24.251 because still they will be required to maintain the currently required usual and customary business records. Comments on this collection of information should be sent to OMB to Office of Management and Budget, Attention: Desk Officer for the Department of the Treasury, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Washington, DC 20503; or email to [email protected]. A copy also should be sent to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau by any of the methods previously described. Comments on the information collection should be submitted not later than January 23, 2017. Executive Order 12866 Certain TTB regulations issued under the IRC, including this one, are exempt from the requirements of Executive Order 12866, as supplemented and reaffirmed by Executive Order 13563. Therefore, a regulatory impact assessment is not required. Drafting Information Kara Fontaine of the Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau drafted this document. List of Subjects in 27 CFR Part 24 Administrative practice and procedure, Claims, Electronic fund transfers, Excise taxes, Exports, Food additives, Fruit juices, Labeling, Liquors, Packaging and containers, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Research, Scientific equipment, Spices and flavoring, Surety bonds, Vinegar, Warehouses, Wine. Amendments to the Regulations For the reasons discussed in the preamble, TTB proposes to amend 27 CFR part 24 as follows. PART 24--WINE 0 1. The authority citation for 27 CFR part 24 continues to read as follows: Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 26 U.S.C. 5001, 5008, 5041, 5042, 5044, 5061, 5062, 5121, 5122-5124, 5173, 5206, 5214, 5215, 5351, 5353, 5354, 5356, 5357, 5361, 5362, 5364-5373, 5381-5388, 5391, 5392, 5511, 5551, 5552, 5661, 5662, 5684, 6065, 6091, 6109, 6301, 6302, 6311, 6651, 6676, 7302, 7342, 7502, 7503, 7606, 7805, 7851; 31 U.S.C. 9301, 9303, 9304, 9306. 0 2. Section 24.10 is amended by: [[Page 83765]] 0 a. Removing the number ``60'' in the definition of ``Brix'' and adding, in its place, the number ``68''; and 0 b. Revising the definition of ``Wine spirits'' to read as follows: Sec. 24.10 Meaning of terms. * * * * * Wine spirits. Brandy or wine spirits authorized under 26 U.S.C. 5373 and Sec. 24.225 of this part for use in wine production. Sec. 24.85 [Amended] 0 3. In Sec. 24.85, the first sentence is amended by adding the word ``wood,'' after the word ``berries.'' 0 4. Section 24.185 is added to read as follows: Sec. 24.185 Use of wood to treat natural wine. (a) Treatment by contact. Natural wine may be treated by contact with any wood that is consistent with the food additive requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for food contact (see 21 CFR part 7). The wood may be in the form of barrels, staves, chips, particles, or storage tanks that were used for the addition of wine spirits if the tanks are used for the baking of wine. The wood may be toasted (that is, heated to low, medium, or high temperature without undergoing combustion), but not charred, and the wood must not be otherwise treated. (b) Use of wood essences and extracts. A proprietor may make or purchase for blending purposes wine that has been heavily treated with wood; however, wood preparations made with an alcohol solution stronger than 24 percent alcohol by volume are essences and must be used in accordance with Sec. 24.85. If any solvent other than alcohol or water is used to make a wood extract, the resulting extract must be consistent with the food additive requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for that purpose and may be used only in ``other wine'' in accordance with Sec. 24.218. This paragraph applies to liquid extracts and essences and to the extracts and essences in powder form or dissolved in water after the solvent has been evaporated. (c) Use of wooden storage tanks. Wooden storage tanks used for the addition of spirits may be used for the baking of wine. (Sec. 201, Pub. L. 85-859, 72 Stat. 1383-1384, 1386, as amended (26 U.S.C. 5382, 5386)) 0 5. Section 24.186 is added to read as follows: Sec. 24.186 Accidental additions of water. (a) Accidental additions of water totaling 1 percent or less of the volume of standard wine. When in the production, storage, treatment, or finishing of standard wine water is accidentally added to a standard wine in an amount that does not exceed 1 percent of the total volume of the wine, such wine shall remain standard wine and the proprietor need not take any action to correct the wine. (b) Correction of accidental additions of water. When in the production, storage, treatment, or finishing of standard wine water is accidentally added to a standard wine in an amount that exceeds 1 percent of the volume of the wine, such wine may be corrected by either: (1) Blending the diluted wine with a quantity of wine of the same kind so that the amount of water accidentally added does not exceed 1 percent of the total volume of the blended wine; or (2) Removal of the accidentally added water from the wine in accordance with Sec. 24.251. (Sec. 201, Pub. L. 85-859, 72 Stat. 1383-1384, as amended (26 U.S.C. 5382)) 0 6. Section 24.225 is revised to read as follows: Sec. 24.225 Production and use of spirits. (a) Withdrawal of spirits. The proprietor of a bonded wine premises may withdraw and receive wine spirits without payment of tax from the bonded premises of a distilled spirits plant for use as provided in this section. (b) Production and use of wine spirits. (1) In general. The only products considered to be wine spirits authorized for use in wine production under this section are brandy or wine spirits produced in a distilled spirits plant (with or without the use of water to facilitate extraction and distillation) exclusively from: (i) Fresh or dried fruit, or their residues; (ii) Natural wine or wine residues from fresh or dried fruit, including spirits byproducts of authorized wine treatments to reduce alcohol; or (iii) Special natural wine. If wine spirits produced from special natural wine contain any flavor characteristics of the special natural wine, those wine spirits may be used only in the production of a special natural wine. (2) Distillation proof requirements. The proof of wine spirits at distillation must not be reduced by the addition of water. In addition, a product is not considered to be wine spirits if it is distilled at less than 140 degrees of proof except in the following cases: (i) Commercial brandy aged in wood for a period of not less than 2 years, and barreled at not less than 100 degrees of proof, shall be deemed wine spirits for purposes of this section; and (ii) Spirits byproducts of alcohol reduction processing authorized under Sec. 24.248 that are produced at a distilled spirits plant and distilled, if necessary, at not less than 100 degrees of proof shall be deemed wine spirits for purposes of this section. (3) Addition of sugar after fermentation. When, in the production of natural wine or special natural wine, sugar has been added after fermentation, the wine may not be refermented to develop alcohol from such added sugar and then used in the production of wine spirits. (4) Addition of wine spirits to natural wine. (i) Wine spirits produced in the United States may be added to natural wine on bonded wine premises if both the wine and the spirits are produced from the same kind of fruit. (ii) In the case of natural still wine, wine spirits may be added in any State only to wine produced by fermentation on bonded wine premises located within the same State. (iii) If wine has been ameliorated, wine spirits may be added (whether or not wine spirits were previously added) only if the wine contains not more than 14 percent of alcohol by volume derived from fermentation. (c) Spirits other than wine spirits. Spirits other than wine spirits may be received, stored, and used on bonded wine premises only for the production of nonbeverage wine and nonbeverage wine products. (Sec. 201, Pub. L. 85-859, 72 Stat. 1381-1384, as amended, and sec. 455, Pub. L. 98-369, (26 U.S.C. 5214, 5362, 5373, 5382, 5383, 5386)) 0 7. Section 24.246 is revised to read as follows: Sec. 24.246 Materials authorized for the treatment of wine and juice. (a) Wine and juice. Materials used in the process of filtering, clarifying, or purifying wine may remove cloudiness, precipitation, and undesirable odors and flavors, but the addition of any substance foreign to wine that changes the character of the wine, or the abstraction of ingredients so as to change the character of the wine, if not consistent with good commercial practice, is not permitted on bonded wine premises. The materials listed in this section are approved as being consistent with good commercial practice in the production, cellar treatment, or finishing of wine and, [[Page 83766]] where applicable, in the treatment of juice, within the ``Specific TTB limitation'' of this section and subject to the following conditions: (1) If the FDA informs TTB that a specified use or limitation of any material listed in this section is inconsistent with the food additive requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the appropriate TTB officer may cancel or amend the approval for use of the material in the treatment of wine and juice in the production, cellar treatment, or finishing of wine; and (2) Where water is added to facilitate the solution or dispersal of a material, the volume of water added, whether the material is used singly or in combination with other water-based treating materials, may not total more than 1 percent of the volume of the treated wine or juice, or of both the wine and the juice, from which the wine is produced. (b) Use in combination or in multiple lots. Subject to the conditions specified in paragraph (a) of this section, a proprietor may use the materials listed in this section in combination, provided that each material is used for its specified use and in accordance with any limitation specified for that use. If a proprietor uses several lots that contain the same material, it is the proprietor's responsibility to ensure that the cumulative amount of the material does not exceed the limitation specified in this section for that material. (c) Formula wine. In addition to the materials listed in this section, other materials may be used in formula wine if approved for such use. Materials Authorized for Treatment of Wine and Juice ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Specific TTB Materials and use limitation (if FDA reference applicable) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Acacia (gum arabic): To clarify The amount used 21 CFR 184.1330. and stabilize \1\ wine. must not exceed 8 pounds per 1000 gallons (1.92 g/ L) of wine. Acetaldehyde: For color The amount used FDA advisory stabilization of juice prior to must not exceed opinion dated concentration. 300 ppm,\2\ and September 8, the finished 2016. concentrate must have no detectable level of the material. Activated carbon: To assist precipitation 27 CFR 24.176..... FDA advisory during fermentation. opinion dated September 8, 2016. To clarify and purify wine.. The amount used to FDA advisory clarify and opinion dated purify wine must January 26, 1979. be included in the total amount of activated carbon used to remove excessive color in wine. 27 CFR 24.241 and 24.242. To remove color from wine The amount used to FDA advisory and/or juice from which treat the wine, opinion dated wine is produced. including the January 26, 1979. juice from which the wine was produced, must not exceed 25 pounds per 1000 gallons (3 g/L). If the amount necessary exceeds this limit, a notice is required pursuant to 27 CFR 24.242. Albumen (egg white): Fining May be prepared in FDA advisory agent for wine. a light brine 1 opinion dated ounce (28.35 September 8, grams) potassium 2016. chloride, 2 pounds (907.2 grams) egg white, 1 gallon (3.785 L) of water. Usage of brine not to exceed 1.5 gallons per 1,000 gallons (1.5 milliliters per liter) of wine. Alumino-silicates (hydrated) None.............. 21 CFR 182.2727, e.g., Bentonite (Wyoming clay) 182.2729, and Kaolin: To clarify and 184.1155 and stabilize \1\ wine or juice. 186.1256. FDA advisory opinion dated July 26, 1985. Ascorbic acid iso-ascorbic acid May be added to 21 CFR 182.3013 (erythorbic acid): To prevent grapes, other and 182.3041. oxidation of color and flavor fruit (including components of juice or wine. berries), and other primary wine making materials, or to the juice of such materials, or to the wine, within limitations which do not alter the class or type of the wine. Bakers Yeast Mannoprotein: To The amount used GRAS Notice No. stabilize \1\ wine from the must not exceed GRN 284. precipitation of potassium 3.3 pounds per bitartrate crystals. 1000 gallons (400 mg/L) of wine. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) (with or without calcium salts of tartaric and malic acids): To reduce the excess natural The natural or 21 CFR 184.1069, acids in high acid wine, or fixed acids must 184.1099, and in juice prior to or during not be reduced 184.1191. fermentation. below 40 pounds per 1000 gallons (5 g/L). As a fining agent for cold The amount used .................. stabilization. must not exceed 30 pounds per 1000 gallons (3.59 g/L) of wine. Calcium sulfate (gypsum): To The sulfate 21 CFR 184.1230. lower pH in sherry wine. content of the finished wine must not exceed 1.67 pounds per 1000 gallons (0.2 g/L), expressed as potassium sulfate. 27 CFR 24.214. Carbon dioxide (including food See 27 CFR 24.245. 21 CFR 184.1240. grade dry ice): To stabilize \1\ and preserve wine. Casein, potassium salt of See 27 CFR 24.243. FDA advisory casein: To clarify wine. opinion dated September 8, 2016. Chitosan from Aspergillus niger: The amount used GRAS Notice No. To remove spoilage organisms must not exceed GRN 000397. such as Brettanomyces from wine. 0.8 pounds per 1000 gallons (10 g/hL) of wine. [[Page 83767]] Citric acid: To correct natural acid See 27 CFR 24.182 21 CFR 184.1033. deficiencies in certain and 24.192. juice or wine. To stabilize \1\ wine other The amount of 21 CFR 184.1033. than citrus wine. citric acid must not exceed 5.8 pounds per 1000 gallons (0.7 g/ L). 27 CFR 24.244. Copper sulfate: To remove The quantity of 21 CFR 184.1261. hydrogen sulfide and/or copper sulfate mercaptans from wine. (calculated as copper) added to wine must not exceed 6 ppm.\2\ The residual level of copper in the finished wine must not exceed 0.5 ppm \2\. Defoaming agents Defoaming agents 21 CFR 173.340 and (polyoxyethylene 40 which are 100 184.1505. monostearate, silicon dioxide, percent active dimethylpoly-siloxane, sorbitan may be used in monostearate, glyceryl mono- amounts not oleate and glyceryl dioleate): exceeding 0.15 To control foaming, pounds per 1000 fermentation adjunct. gallons (18 mg/L) of wine. Defoaming agents which are 30 percent active may be used in amounts not exceeding 0.5 pounds per 1000 gallons (60 mg/L) of wine. Silicon dioxide must be completely removed by filtration. The amount of silicon remaining in the wine must not exceed 10 ppm \2\. Dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC): To DMDC may be added Must meet the sterilize and stabilize \1\ to wine in a conditions wine. cumulative amount prescribed by FDA not to exceed 200 in 21 CFR ppm \2\. 172.133. Enzymatic activity: Various The enzyme enzymes and uses, as shown preparation used below: must be prepared from nontoxic and nonpathogenic microorganisms in accordance with good manufacturing practice and be consistent with FDA's regulations. Carbohydrase (alpha- The amylase enzyme FDA advisory Amylase): To convert activity must be opinion of August starches to fermentable derived from: 18, 1983. carbohydrates. Aspergillus niger, .................. Aspergillus .................. oryzae, Bacillus subtilis, or barley malt; or. from Rhizopus 21 CFR 173.130. oryzae: or. from Bacillus 21 CFR 184.1027. licheniformis. Carbohydrase (beta-Amylase): The amylase enzyme FDA advisory To convert starches to must be derived opinion dated fermentable carbohydrates. from barley malt. August 18, 1983. Carbohydrase (Glucoamylase, The amylase enzyme FDA advisory Amylogluco-sidase): To activity must be opinion dated convert starches to derived from August 18, 1983. fermentable carbohydrates. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, or. from Rhizopus 21 CFR 173.130. oryzae,. or from Rhizopus 21 CFR 173.110. niveus. Carbohydrase (pectinase, The enzyme FDA advisory cellulase, hemicellulase): activity must be opinion dated To facilitate separation of derived from December 19, juice from the fruit. Aspergillus 1996. aculeatus. Catalase: To clarify and The enzyme FDA advisory stabilize \1\ wine. activity must be opinion dated derived from August 18, 1983. Aspergillus niger or bovine liver. Cellulase: To clarify and The enzyme FDA advisory stabilize \1\ wine and activity must be opinion dated facilitate separation of derived from August 18, 1983. the juice from the fruit. Aspergillus niger. Cellulase (beta-glucanase): The enzyme For beta-gucanase To clarify and filter wine. activity must be derived from derived from Trichoderma Trichoderma longibrachiatum, longibrachiatum 21 CFR 184.1250. or Trichoderma For beta-glucanase harzianum. The derived from amount used must Trichoderma not exceed 30 ppm harzianum, GRAS \2\. Notice No. GRN 149. Glucose oxidase: To clarify and The enzyme FDA advisory stabilize \1\ wine. activity must be opinion of August derived from 18, 1983. Aspergillus niger. Lysozyme: To stabilize \1\ wines The amount used FDA advisory from malolactic acid bacterial must not exceed opinion dated degradation. 500 ppm.\2\. December 15, 1993. Pectinase: To clarify and The enzyme FDA advisory stabilize \1\ wine and to activity used opinion dated facilitate separation of juice must be derived August 18, 1983. from the fruit. from Aspergillus niger. Protease (general): To reduce or The enzyme FDA advisory to remove heat labile proteins. activity must be opinion dated derived from: August 18, 1983. Aspergillus niger or Bacillus subtilis or from;. Bacillus 21 CFR 184.1027. licheniformis. Protease (Bromelin): To The enzyme FDA advisory reduce or remove heat activity must be opinion dated labile proteins. derived from August 18, 1983. Ananus comosus or Ananus bracteatus (L). Protease (Ficin): To reduce The enzyme FDA advisory or remove heat labile activity must be opinion dated proteins. derived from August 18, 1983. Ficus spp. Protease (Papain): To reduce The enzyme 21 CFR 184.1585. or remove heat labile activity must be proteins. derived from Carica papaya (L). [[Page 83768]] Protease (Pepsin): To reduce The enzyme FDA advisory or remove heat labile activity must be opinion dated proteins. derived from August 18, 1983. porcine or bovine stomachs. Protease (Trypsin): To The enzyme FDA advisory reduce or remove heat activity must be opinion dated labile proteins. derived from August 18, 1983. porcine or bovine pancreas. Urease: To reduce levels of The enzyme 21 CFR 184.1924. naturally occurring urea in activity must be wine to help prevent the derived from formation of ethyl Lactobacillus carbamate. fermentum. Use is limited to not more than 200 ppm \2\ and must be filtered prior to final packaging. Ethyl maltol: To stabilize \1\ Use authorized at FDA advisory wine. a maximum level opinion dated of 100 ppm \2\ in December 1, 1986. all standard wines except natural wine produced from Vitis vinifera grapes. Ferrous sulfate: To clarify and The amount used 21 CFR 184.1315. stabilize \1\ wine. must not exceed 3 ounces per 1000 gallons (0.022 g/ L) of wine. Fumaric acid: To correct natural acid The fumaric acid 21 CFR 172.350. deficiencies in grape wine. content of the finished wine must not exceed 25 pounds per 1000 gallons (3 g/ L). 27 CFR 24.182 and 24.192. To stabilize \1\ wine....... The fumaric acid 21 CFR 172.350. content of the finished wine must not exceed 25 pounds per 1000 gallons (3 g/ L). 27 CFR 24.244. Gelatin (food grade): To clarify None.............. FDA advisory juice or wine. opinion dated September 8, 2016. Granular cork: To smooth wine... The amount used FDA advisory must not exceed opinion dated 10 pounds per February 25, 1000 gallons of 1985. wine (1.2 g/L). Isinglass: To clarify wine...... None.............. FDA advisory opinion dated February 25, 1985. Lactic acid: To correct natural 27 CFR 24.182 and 21 CFR 184.1061. acid deficiencies in grape wine. 24.192. Malic acid: To correct natural 27 CFR 24.182, 21 CFR 184.1069. acid deficiencies in juice or 24.192. wine. Malo-lactic bacteria: To Malo-lactic FDA advisory stabilize \1\ grape wine. bacteria of the opinion dated type Leuconostoc February 25, oenos may be used 1985. in treating wine. Maltol: To stabilize \1\ wine... Use authorized at FDA advisory a maximum level opinion dated of 2 pounds per December 1, 1986. 1000 gallons (250 mg/L) in all standard wine except natural wine produced from Vitis vinifera grapes. Milk products (pasteurized whole, skim, or half-and-half): Fining agent for grape wine. The amount used must not exceed 2 parts of milk products per 1,000 parts (0.2 percent V/V) of wine. To remove off flavors in The amount used wine. must not exceed 10 parts of milk products per 1,000 parts (1 percent V/V) of wine. Nitrogen gas: To maintain None.............. 21 CFR 184.1540. pressure during filtering and bottling or canning of wine and to prevent oxidation of wine. Oxygen and compressed air: None.............. Various uses in juice and wine. Polyvinyl-polypyr-rolidone The amount used to 21 CFR 173.50. (PVPP): To clarify and treat the wine, stabilize \1\ wine and to including the remove color from red wine or juice from which juice. the wine was produced, must not exceed 60 pounds per 1000 gallons (7.19 g/ L) and must be removed during filtration. PVPP may be used in a continuous or batch process. The finished wine must retain vinous character and must have color of not less than 0.6 Lovibond in a one-half inch cell or not more than 95 percent transmittance per AOAC Method 11.003-11.004 (14th Ed.) \3\. Polyvinyl-pyrrolidone (PVP)/ The amount used to 21 CFR 173.55 and polyvinylimadazole (PVI) treat the wine FDA FCN No. 320. polymer: To remove heavy metal must not exceed ions and sulfides from wine. 6.7 pounds per 1000 gallons (80 g/hL) of wine. Potassium bitartrate: To The amount used FDA advisory stabilize \1\ grape wine. must not exceed opinion dated 35 pounds per September 8, 1000 gallons 2016. (4.19 g/L) of grape wine. Potassium carbonate and/or The natural or 21 CFR 184.1619 potassium bicarbonate: To fixed acids must and 184.1613. reduce excess natural acidity not be reduced in wine and in juice prior to below 0.668 or during fermentation. ounces per gallon (5 g/L). [[Page 83769]] Potassium citrate: pH control The amount of 21 CFR 184.1625. agent and sequestrant in the potassium citrate treatment of citrus wines. must not exceed 25 pounds per 1000 gallons (3 g/ L) of finished wine. 27 CFR 24.182. Potassium meta-bisulfite: To The sulfur dioxide 21 CFR 182.3637. sterilize and preserve wine. content of the finished wine must not exceed the limitations prescribed in 27 CFR 4.22. Potato protein isolate: Fining Use must not GRAS Notice No. agent for wine. exceed 500 ppm GRN 000447. \2\ (50 g/hL) of wine. Silica gel (colloidal silicon Use must not FDA advisory dioxide): To clarify wine or exceed the opinion dated juice. equivalent of 20 September 8, pounds colloidal 2016. silicon dioxide at a 30 percent concentration per 1000 gallons (2.4 g/L) of wine. Silicon dioxide must be completely removed by filtration. Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose: The amount used 21 CFR 182.1745. To stabilize \1\ wine by must not exceed preventing tartrate 0.8% of the wine. precipitation. Sorbic acid and potassium salt The finished wine 21 CFR 182.3089 of sorbic acid (potassium must not contain and 182.3640. sorbate): To sterilize and more than 300 ppm preserve wine; to inhibit mold \2\ of sorbic growth and secondary acid. fermentation. Sulfur dioxide: To sterilize and The sulfur dioxide 21 CFR 182.3862. to preserve wine or juice. content of the finished wine must not exceed the limitations prescribed in 27 CFR 4.22(b)(1). Tannin: To adjust tannin content in The residual FDA advisory apple juice or in apple amount of tannin opinion dated wine. must not exceed September 8, 24 pounds per 2016. 1000 gallons (3 g/ L), calculated as gallic acid equivalents (GAE). Total tannin must not be increased by more than 150 ppm \2\ by the addition of tannic acid (polygalloylgluco se). To clarify, or adjust tannin The residual FDA advisory content of, juice or wine amount of tannin, opinion dated (other than apple). calculated in September 8, GAE, must not 2016. exceed 6.4 GAE per 1000 gallons of wine (800 mg/ L) in white wine and 24 pounds per 1000 gallons (3 g/ L) in red wine. Only tannin which does not impart color may be used in the cellar treatment of juice or wine. Total tannin must not be increased by more than 150 ppm \2\ by the addition of tannic acid (poly- galloylglucose). Tartaric acid (L(+) tartaric acid): To correct natural acid Use as prescribed 21 CFR 184.1099 deficiencies in grape juice in 27 CFR 24.182 and or wine and to reduce the and 24.192. GRAS Notice No. pH of grape juice or wine GRN 000187. where ameliorating material is used in the production of grape wine. Yeast nutrients: To facilitate fermentation of juice and wine Ammonium phosphate/ The amount used FDA advisory diammonium phosphate (mono- must not exceed 8 opinion dated and di basic). pounds per 1000 August 29, 2016. gallons (0.96 g/ L). Biotin...................... The amount used FDA advisory must not exceed opinion dated 25 ppb \4\. August 29, 2016. Calcium pantothenate The amount used FDA advisory (vitamin B5). must not exceed opinion dated 1.5 ppm \2\. August 29, 2016. Folic acid (folate)......... The amount used FDA advisory must not exceed opinion dated 100 ppb \4\. August 29, 2016. Inositol (myo-inositol)..... The amount used FDA advisory must not exceed 2 opinion dated ppm \2\. August 29, 2016. Magnesium sulfate........... The amount used FDA advisory must not exceed opinion dated 15 ppm \2\. August 29, 2016. Niacin (vitamin B3)......... The amount used FDA advisory must not exceed 1 opinion dated ppm \2\. August 29, 2016. Pyridoxine hydrochloride The amount used FDA advisory (vitamin B6). must not exceed opinion dated 150 ppb \4\. August 29, 2016. Soy flour (defatted)........ The amount used FDA advisory must not exceed 2 opinion dated pounds per 1000 August 29, 2016. gallons (0.24 g/ L) of wine. Thiamine hydrochloride...... The amount used FDA advisory must not exceed opinion dated 0.005 pounds per August 29, 2016. 1000 gallons (0.6 mg/L) of wine or juice. Yeast, autolyzed............ None.............. FDA advisory opinion dated August 29, 2016. Yeast, cell wall/membranes The amount used FDA advisory of autolyzed yeast. must not exceed 3 opinion dated pounds per 1000 August 29, 2016. gallons (0.36 g/ L) of wine or juice. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ \1\ To stabilize--To prevent or to retard unwanted alteration of chemical and/or physical properties. \2\ Parts per million--1 ppm = 0.128 ounces per 1000 gallons = 1 mg/L = 1000 ppb. \3\ Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL, Volumes I & II, AOAC INTERNATIONAL, 481 North Frederick Avenue, Suite 500, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-2417. \4\ Parts per billion--1ppb = 0.000128 ounces per 1000 gallons = 1 mg/ 1000L. [[Page 83770]] * * * * * 0 8. Section 24.247 is amended by: 0 a. Revising the introductory text; 0 b. Revising the entry in the table for ``Ammonium phosphate (mono- and di basic''; and 0 c. Removing the footnote at the end of the table. The revisions read as follows: Sec. 24.247 Materials authorized for the treatment of distilling material. The materials listed in this section as well as the materials listed in Sec. 24.246 are approved as being acceptable in good commercial practice for use by proprietors in the treatment of distilling material within the limitations specified in this section. If, however, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informs TTB that a specified use or limitation of any material listed in this section is inconsistent with the food additive requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the appropriate TTB officer may cancel or amend the approval for use of the material in the treatment of distilling material. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Reference or Materials Use limitation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ammonium phosphate/diammonium Yeast nutrient in The amount used phosphate (mono-and di basic). distilling shall not exceed material. 10 pounds per 1000 gallons (1.2 g/L). 21 CFR 184.1141a and 184.1141b. * * * * * * * ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * 0 9. Section 24.248 is amended by: 0 a. Revising the introductory text; 0 b. Removing the entries for ``Nanofiltration,'' ``Reverse osmosis,'' and ``Ultrafiltration''; 0 c. Adding an entry for ``Cross flow filtration'', including subentries for ``Nanofiltration'', ``Reverse osmosis'', and ``Ultrafiltration'', at the top of the table; 0 d. Revising the entries for ``Osmotic transport'', ``Spinning cone column'', and ``Thin-film evaporation under reduced pressure''; and 0 e. Removing footnote 1 at the end of the table and adding new footnotes 1 and 2. The additions and revisions to the table and its footnotes read as follows: Sec. 24.248 Processes authorized for the treatment of wine, juice, and distilling material. The processes listed in this section are approved as being consistent with good commercial practice for use by proprietors in the production, cellar treatment, or finishing of wine, juice, and distilling material, within the general limitations of this section. If, however, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informs TTB that a specified use or limitation of any material listed in this section is inconsistent with the food additive requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the appropriate TTB officer may cancel or amend the approval for use of the process in the production, cellar treatment, or finishing of wine, juice, and distilling material. Processes Authorized for the Treatment of Wine, Juice, and Distilling Material ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Reference or Process Use limitation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cross flow filtration........... Various processes and uses. \1\ Nanofiltration \2\ To reduce the This process must level of volatile use permeable acidity in wine membranes which (used with ion are selective for exchange), to molecules not reduce the ethyl greater than 150 alcohol content molecular weight of wine. with transmembrane pressures of 250 psi or less. Reverse osmosis \2\......... To reduce the Permeable ethyl alcohol membranes that content of wine are selective for and to remove off molecules not flavors in wine. greater than 500 molecular weight with transmembrane pressures of 200 pounds per square inch (psi) and greater. The addition of water other than that originally present prior to processing will render standard wine ``other than standard.'' Use must not alter the vinous character of the wine. May be used in combination with osmotic transport. Ultrafiltration \2\......... To remove Permeable proteinaceous membranes that material from are selective for wine; to reduce molecules greater harsh tannic than 500 and not material from less than 25,000 white wine molecular weight produced from with white skinned transmembrane grapes; to remove pressures less pink color from than 200 psi. blanc de noir Shall not alter wine; to separate vinous character. red juice and wine into low color and high color fractions for blending purposes, to reduce the ethyl alcohol content of wine. * * * * * * * Osmotic transport \2\........... For alcohol (1) Use must not reduction. alter the vinous character of the wine. (2) None of the stripping solution may migrate into the wine. (3) May be used in combination with reverse osmosis. [[Page 83771]] * * * * * * * Spinning cone column \2\........ To reduce the Use shall not ethyl alcohol alter vinous content of wine character. For and to remove off standard wine, flavors in wine. the same amount of essence must be added back to any lot of wine as was originally removed. * * * * * * * Thin film evaporation under To separate wine Use shall not reduced preasure \2\. into a low alter vinous alcohol wine character. Water fraction and into separated with a higher alcohol alcohol during distillate. processing may be recovered by refluxing in a closed continuous system and returned to the wine. The addition of water other than that originally present in the wine prior to processing, will render standard wine other than standard wine. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ \1\ In cross-flow filtration, the wine is passed across the filter membrane (tangentially) at positive pressure relative to the permeate side. A proportion of the wine which is smaller than the membrane pore size passes through the membrane as permeate or filtrate; everything else is retained on the feed side of the membrane as retentate. \2\ When used to remove ethyl alcohol (dealcoholization), this process must be done on distilled spirits plant premises. However, reverse osmosis and nanofilitration, under certain limited conditions, may be used on bonded winery premises if ethyl alcohol is only temporarily created within a closed system. * * * * * 0 10. Paragraph (b) of Sec. 24.250 is amended to read as follows: Sec. 24.250 Application for use of new treating material or process. (b) Documentary evidence from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that the material is consistent with the food additive requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for its intended purpose in the amounts proposed for the particular treatment contemplated; * * * * * 0 11. Section 24.251 is added to read as follows: Sec. 24.251 Salvaging accidentally diluted wine. (a) Removal of accidentally added water without prior TTB approval. If a proprietor accidentally adds to standard wine water in excess of limitations specified in subparts F and L of this part, the accidentally diluted wine may be returned to its original condition through the use of reverse osmosis and distillation without prior application to TTB provided that: (1) The accidentally added water represents no more than 10 percent of the original volume of the wine; (2) The wine is returned to its original condition by removing an amount of water equal to the amount that was accidentally added to the wine; (3) The vinous character of the wine is not altered; (4) The proprietor transfers the wine in bond to a distilled spirits plant for treatment; and (5) Records are maintained in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section. (b) Removal of accidentally added water with TTB approval. If a proprietor accidentally adds water to standard wine and the accidentally added water represents more than 10 percent of the original volume of the wine, then the proprietor must request permission from TTB prior to treating the wine. A proprietor may submit an application requesting permission to treat the wine to remove the water and return the wine to its original condition. The removal of water may not be conducted until the appropriate TTB officer has approved the request. The application, which is to be submitted to the appropriate TTB officer, must be in writing, must provide evidence of the exact amount of water accidentally added to the wine and an explanation of how the water was accidentally added, and must specify the method the proprietor will use to remove the water from the wine. In approving any request under this section, the appropriate TTB officer may require the proprietor to take steps to prevent future accidental additions of water to wine. In evaluating any request under this section, the appropriate TTB officer may consider as a factor whether the proprietor has demonstrated good commercial practices, taking into account the proprietor's prior history of accidental addition of water to wine and of compliance with other regulations in part 24. (c) Records. The proprietor must, with respect to removals of water from wine authorized under this section, maintain records that document the accidental addition of water, the use of any treatment or process to remove the water from the wine, and the fact that only the amount of water that was accidentally added to the wine was removed as a result of the treatment or process. (Sec. 201, Pub. L. 85-859, 72 Stat. 1383-1384, as amended (26 U.S.C. 5382)) Signed: June 16, 2016. John J. Manfreda, Administrator. Approved: October 25, 2016. Timothy E. Skud, Deputy Assistant Secretary. (Tax, Trade, and Tariff Policy). [FR Doc. 2016-27581 Filed 11-21-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810-31-P
![83752 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 225 / Tuesday, November 22, 2016 / Proposed Rules
Issued in College Park, Georgia, on obtain copies of the petition and stabilizing, preserving, fermenting, and
November 7, 2016. supporting materials. correcting wine and juice.
Ryan W. Almasy, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kara • Section 5387(a) of the IRC (26
Manager, Operations Support Group, Eastern Fontaine, Regulations and Rulings U.S.C. 5387(a)), which authorizes the
Service Center, Air Traffic Organization. Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and production of agricultural wine, classed
[FR Doc. 2016–27859 Filed 11–21–16; 8:45 am] Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Box as ‘‘standard agricultural wine,’’ from
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 12, Washington, DC 20005; phone 202– agricultural products other than the
453–1039, ext. 103. juice of fruit. Such agricultural wine
must be made in accordance with good
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: commercial practice as prescribed by
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Background regulation and may be cellar treated in
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade accordance with sections 5382(a) and (c)
TTB Authority of the IRC. Also, section 5387(b)
Bureau
Chapter 51 of the Internal Revenue prohibits the addition of wine spirits,
27 CFR Part 24 Code of 1986, as amended (IRC), 26 coloring material or herbs, or other
U.S.C. chapter 51, contains provisions flavoring material (except hops in the
[Docket No. TTB–2016–0010; Notice No. concerning the taxation and production case of honey wine) to agricultural
164] of distilled spirits, wines, and beer. The wine, as well as the blending together of
RIN 1513–AB61 Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade wines from different agricultural
Bureau (TTB) has been delegated commodities.
Wine Treating Materials and Related authority to promulgate regulations The regulations promulgated under
Regulations pertaining to wine under Chapter 51 of the IRC regarding the production of
the IRC. The statutory provisions of the wine are set forth in part 24 of title 27
AGENCY: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and IRC related to the distilled spirits and of the Code of Federal Regulations (27
Trade Bureau. wine regulations that TTB promulgates CFR part 24) and include, but are not
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. include, but are not limited to, the limited to, the following provisions:
following: • 27 CFR 24.10, which contains the
SUMMARY: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax • Section 5002(a)(4) of the IRC (26 definitions of certain terms used in 27
and Trade Bureau (TTB) is proposing to U.S.C. 5002(a)(4)), which defines the CFR part 24.
amend its regulations pertaining to the term ‘‘distiller,’’ in pertinent part, as • 27 CFR 24.225, which sets forth
production of wine and in particular in including any person who ‘‘(A) rules under which proprietors of a
regard to the permissible treatments that produces distilled spirits from any bonded wine premises may withdraw
may be applied to wine and to juice source or substance’’ or ‘‘(C) by any and receive spirits without payment of
from which wine is made. These process separates alcoholic spirits from tax from the bonded premises of a
proposed amendments are in response any fermented substance * * *.’’ distilled spirits plant and add the spirits
to requests from wine industry members to natural wine on bonded wine
• Section 5171(a) of the IRC (26
to authorize certain wine treating premises.
U.S.C. 5171(a)), which requires that
materials and processes not currently • 27 CFR 24.246, which includes a
operations ‘‘as a distiller’’ only be
authorized by TTB regulations. TTB table that lists the materials authorized
conducted on the bonded premises of a
invites comments on the proposed for the treatment of wine and juice.
distilled spirits plant by a person who • 27 CFR 24.247, which includes a
regulatory changes described in this is qualified under subchapter B of
document, as well as on other wine table that lists materials authorized for
chapter 51 of the IRC. the treatment of distilling material.
treatment issues for which regulatory
• Section 5373 of the IRC (26 U.S.C. • 27 CFR 24.248, which includes a
amendments are not proposed in this
5373), which authorizes the table that lists processes authorized for
document.
promulgation of regulations regarding the treatment of wine, juice, and
DATES: Comments must be received by the type of wine spirits that may be used distilling materials.
January 23, 2017. in wine production. TTB administers chapter 51 of the IRC
ADDRESSES: Please send your comments • Section 5381 of the IRC (26 U.S.C. and its implementing regulations
on this document to one of the 5381), which provides that natural wine pursuant to section 1111(d) of the
following addresses: is the product of the juice or must of Homeland Security Act of 2002, as
• https://www.regulations.gov (via the sound, ripe grapes or other sound, ripe codified at 6 U.S.C. 531(d). The
online comment form for this document fruit, made with such cellar treatment as Secretary has delegated various
as posted within Docket No. TTB–2016– may be authorized under section 5382. authorities through Treasury
0010 at Regulations.gov, the Federal e- • Section 5382(a) of the IRC (26 Department Order 120–01, dated
rulemaking portal); U.S.C. 5382(a)), which provides that December 10, 2013 (superseding
• U.S. Mail: Director, Regulations and proper cellar treatment of natural wine Treasury Order 120–01 dated January
Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco constitutes those practices and 24, 2003), to the TTB Administrator to
Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street procedures in the United States, of perform the functions and duties in the
NW., Box 12, Washington, DC 20005; or using various methods and materials to administration and enforcement of these
• Hand delivery/courier in lieu of correct or stabilize the wine, or the fruit laws.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS
mail: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and juice from which it is made, so as to In addition, TTB consults with the
Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Suite produce a finished product acceptable U.S. Food and Drug Administration
400, Washington, DC 20005. in good commercial practice as (FDA) on whether alcohol beverages are
See the Public Participation section of prescribed by regulation. Section adulterated under the Federal Food,
this document for specific instructions 5382(c) also authorizes the Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act),
and requirements for submitting promulgation of regulations setting forth including whether a substance added to
comments, and for information on how limitations on the preparation and use an alcohol beverage is an unapproved
to request a public hearing or view or of methods and materials for clarifying, food additive. Alcohol beverages are
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:39 Nov 21, 2016 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\22NOP1.SGM 22NOP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/81_FR_83977/page/1.svg)
![83760 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 225 / Tuesday, November 22, 2016 / Proposed Rules
technical and clarifying changes to the carbon, albumen (egg white), casein, conforming change revising the name of
table in § 24.246. A significant portion potassium salt of casein, gelatin, the material in § 24.247.)
of these technical changes involves potassium bi-tartrate, silica gel • Calcium carbonate: TTB is adding
revising the measurement references (colloidal silicon dioxide), and tannin. the abbreviation ‘‘CaCO3’’ and, in the
specified for the limitation on use of the FDA also provided TTB with an ‘‘Materials and use’’ column, TTB is
authorized wine treating materials by advisory opinion dated August 29, 2016, replacing the word ‘‘and’’ with the word
making the notation of units of regarding the use of current and ‘‘or’’ in the first use entry and replacing
measurement consistent throughout the proposed yeast nutrients. With regard to the word ‘‘A’’ with the words ‘‘As a’’ in
chart, supplying closing parentheses current yeast nutrients, FDA indicated the second use entry.
where they were absent, and removing that the use of yeast nutrients as a • Casein, potassium salt of casein: In
decimal points followed only by zeroes. treatment for wine is not listed in its the ‘‘Specific limitation’’ column, TTB
In addition, where units are only in U.S. regulations or GRAS notices. FDA did, is referring only to the citation ‘‘27 CFR
Common (English) units or SI however, state: ‘‘We have evaluated the 24.243’’ and removing references to
(International Standard, or metric) units, list of yeast nutrients * * * along with FDA’s GRAS opinions.
TTB is adding the other unit of measure their proposed limitations for use prior • Citric acid: In the ‘‘Materials and
for reference purposes, where to and during juice fermentations for use’’ column, TTB is adding the words
appropriate. Since the majority of the wine production, taking into ‘‘certain juice or’’ after the word ‘‘in’’ in
units are expressed in U.S. Common consideration: (1) Their likely the first use entry. The limitations on
units first and then in SI units, TTB is consumption by yeasts and bacteria [is] what types of juice or wine may be
proposing to continue with that likely to be largely consumed during treated with citric acid may be found in
convention. TTB is including a footnote fermentations and (2) their likely the regulations cited in the ‘‘Specific
reference after each use of ppm and ppb presence in finished wine products at limitation’’ column.
in the chart to indicate parts per million levels that would not exceed those in • Copper sulfate: In the ‘‘Specific
and parts per billion, respectively. TTB unprocessed grape juice. We conclude limitation’’ column, TTB is removing
is also including a definition of the that [the] increase in human dietary the word ‘‘added’’ after the word
word ‘‘stabilize’’ at the end of the chart exposure to the substances resulting ‘‘sulfate’’ and adding the words ‘‘added
and footnoting every appearance of the from their addition to wine juice is de to wine’’ after the first parenthetical.
• Dimethyl dicarbonate: For purposes
word ‘‘stabilize’’ with a ‘‘1’’ in the table. minimis with respect to human
of clarity, TTB is adding the
TTB is also adding a third column to the nutrition, [and that] they are safe under
abbreviation ‘‘(DMDC)’’ after the
table in § 24.246 titled ‘‘FDA reference’’. the conditions of their intended use.
material name ‘‘Dimethyl dicarbonate’’
This new column contains references to Such levels would be far below any
and removing the phrases
relevant FDA regulations in title 21 of level that would result in a safety
‘‘dealcoholized wine,’’ and ‘‘low alcohol
the CFR, FDA GRAS notifications, and concern for any of these substances.
wine,’’ from the entry to reduce
FDA advisory opinions. These Thus, we would not consider this very
redundancy.
references have been moved to this new low level exposure to be significant and • Ferrocyanide: TTB believes that
column wherever such a reference we would not question a conclusion ferrocyanide compounds are no longer
appears in the table. The ‘‘FDA that these uses of substances added to available on the United States market
reference’’ column provides a limit or wine as yeast nutrients would be and no longer being used by the U.S.
reference where there is no ‘‘Specific GRAS.’’ Accordingly, TTB is updating wine industry. Accordingly, TTB is
limit’’ listed for a wine treating material. the FDA reference for calcium removing ‘‘ferrocyanide’’ from the list of
FDA recently provided TTB with a panthothenate, soy flour, thiamine, authorized wine treating materials.
new advisory opinion dated September yeast autolyzed, and yeast cell wall/ • Milk products: With the publication
8, 2016, updating their acceptance of membranes of autolyzed yeast. of T.D. ATF–350 (58 FR 52222) in the
TTB’s approval for certain materials as Due to the large number of proposed Federal Register on October 7, 1993,
wine and juice treating materials. This changes to § 24.246, this document ATF approved the use of milk products
new advisory opinion was necessary presents those changes as a revision of as a fining agent in white grape wine or
because in some cases, TTB’s current the entire section. Finally, TTB is sherry. With the publication of T.D.
listing of FDA’s acceptance of the proposing to make the following other TTB–17 (69 FR 67639) in the Federal
material as a wine treating material was changes to the current entries in the Register on November 19, 2004, TTB
not entirely accurate because those table: extended this approval to all wines. The
references were not specific to the use • Activated carbon: One of the entries listing in § 24.246 for the use of milk
of wine. In other cases, references to old in the ‘‘Materials and use’’ column products, revised in 2004, reads,
advisory opinions were subsequently currently refers to removing color in ‘‘Fining agent for grape wine or sherry.’’
revoked by FDA rulemaking. TTB is wine and/or juice from which the wine TTB believes this phrase may cause
replacing the current FDA references in was produced. TTB is proposing to refer confusion because under the standards
§ 24.246 with an updated reference to an instead to removing color from wine of identity in § 4.21(a) sherry is a grape
advisory opinion in which FDA stated and/or juice, for clarity. wine. Accordingly, TTB is amending the
‘‘We have evaluated the list of • Albumen: In the ‘‘Specific first listed use in the ‘‘Materials and
substances * * * along with their limitation’’ column, TTB is adding the use’’ column for this entry to read:
proposed limitations for use in wine words ‘‘of brine’’ in the second sentence ‘‘Fining agent for grape wine.’’
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS
and juice treatment and conclude that after the word ‘‘Usage’’ and removing • Oxygen and compressed air: In the
they are safe under the conditions of the words ‘‘of solution.’’ ‘‘Materials and use’’ column, TTB is
their intended use. We would not • Ammonium phosphate (mono- and replacing the words ‘‘May be used in
question a conclusion that these uses of di basic): TTB is revising the name of juice and wine’’ with the words
substances added to wine would be the material to include ‘‘diammonium ‘‘Various uses in juice and wine.’’
generally recognized as safe (GRAS).’’ phosphate’’ and including it on the list • Polyvinyl-polypry-rolidone (PVPP):
Accordingly, TTB is updating the FDA of yeast nutrients in the table in In the ‘‘Materials and use’’ column, TTB
reference for: Acetaldehyde, activated § 24.246. (TTB is also making a is making a technical change by
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![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 225 / Tuesday, November 22, 2016 / Proposed Rules 83765
■ a. Removing the number ‘‘60’’ in the § 24.186 Accidental additions of water. (i) Commercial brandy aged in wood
definition of ‘‘Brix’’ and adding, in its (a) Accidental additions of water for a period of not less than 2 years, and
place, the number ‘‘68’’; and totaling 1 percent or less of the volume barreled at not less than 100 degrees of
■ b. Revising the definition of ‘‘Wine of standard wine. When in the proof, shall be deemed wine spirits for
spirits’’ to read as follows: production, storage, treatment, or purposes of this section; and
finishing of standard wine water is (ii) Spirits byproducts of alcohol
§ 24.10 Meaning of terms. accidentally added to a standard wine reduction processing authorized under
* * * * * in an amount that does not exceed 1 § 24.248 that are produced at a distilled
percent of the total volume of the wine, spirits plant and distilled, if necessary,
Wine spirits. Brandy or wine spirits
such wine shall remain standard wine at not less than 100 degrees of proof
authorized under 26 U.S.C. 5373 and
and the proprietor need not take any shall be deemed wine spirits for
§ 24.225 of this part for use in wine
action to correct the wine. purposes of this section.
production. (3) Addition of sugar after
(b) Correction of accidental additions
§ 24.85 [Amended] of water. When in the production, fermentation. When, in the production
storage, treatment, or finishing of of natural wine or special natural wine,
■ 3. In § 24.85, the first sentence is sugar has been added after fermentation,
amended by adding the word ‘‘wood,’’ standard wine water is accidentally
added to a standard wine in an amount the wine may not be refermented to
after the word ‘‘berries.’’ develop alcohol from such added sugar
that exceeds 1 percent of the volume of
■ 4. Section 24.185 is added to read as the wine, such wine may be corrected and then used in the production of wine
follows: by either: spirits.
(1) Blending the diluted wine with a (4) Addition of wine spirits to natural
§ 24.185 Use of wood to treat natural wine. wine.
quantity of wine of the same kind so
(a) Treatment by contact. Natural that the amount of water accidentally (i) Wine spirits produced in the
wine may be treated by contact with any added does not exceed 1 percent of the United States may be added to natural
wood that is consistent with the food total volume of the blended wine; or wine on bonded wine premises if both
additive requirements under the Federal (2) Removal of the accidentally added the wine and the spirits are produced
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for food water from the wine in accordance with from the same kind of fruit.
contact (see 21 CFR part 7). The wood (ii) In the case of natural still wine,
§ 24.251.
may be in the form of barrels, staves, wine spirits may be added in any State
(Sec. 201, Pub. L. 85–859, 72 Stat. 1383– only to wine produced by fermentation
chips, particles, or storage tanks that 1384, as amended (26 U.S.C. 5382))
were used for the addition of wine on bonded wine premises located
spirits if the tanks are used for the ■ 6. Section 24.225 is revised to read as within the same State.
baking of wine. The wood may be follows: (iii) If wine has been ameliorated,
toasted (that is, heated to low, medium, wine spirits may be added (whether or
§ 24.225 Production and use of spirits. not wine spirits were previously added)
or high temperature without undergoing
(a) Withdrawal of spirits. The only if the wine contains not more than
combustion), but not charred, and the
proprietor of a bonded wine premises 14 percent of alcohol by volume derived
wood must not be otherwise treated.
may withdraw and receive wine spirits from fermentation.
(b) Use of wood essences and extracts. without payment of tax from the bonded (c) Spirits other than wine spirits.
A proprietor may make or purchase for premises of a distilled spirits plant for Spirits other than wine spirits may be
blending purposes wine that has been use as provided in this section. received, stored, and used on bonded
heavily treated with wood; however, (b) Production and use of wine spirits. wine premises only for the production
wood preparations made with an (1) In general. The only products of nonbeverage wine and nonbeverage
alcohol solution stronger than 24 considered to be wine spirits authorized wine products.
percent alcohol by volume are essences for use in wine production under this (Sec. 201, Pub. L. 85–859, 72 Stat. 1381–
and must be used in accordance with section are brandy or wine spirits 1384, as amended, and sec. 455, Pub. L. 98–
§ 24.85. If any solvent other than alcohol produced in a distilled spirits plant 369, (26 U.S.C. 5214, 5362, 5373, 5382, 5383,
or water is used to make a wood extract, (with or without the use of water to 5386))
the resulting extract must be consistent facilitate extraction and distillation) ■ 7. Section 24.246 is revised to read as
with the food additive requirements exclusively from: follows:
under the Federal Food, Drug, and (i) Fresh or dried fruit, or their
Cosmetic Act for that purpose and may residues; § 24.246 Materials authorized for the
be used only in ‘‘other wine’’ in (ii) Natural wine or wine residues treatment of wine and juice.
accordance with § 24.218. This from fresh or dried fruit, including (a) Wine and juice. Materials used in
paragraph applies to liquid extracts and spirits byproducts of authorized wine the process of filtering, clarifying, or
essences and to the extracts and treatments to reduce alcohol; or purifying wine may remove cloudiness,
essences in powder form or dissolved in (iii) Special natural wine. If wine precipitation, and undesirable odors
water after the solvent has been spirits produced from special natural and flavors, but the addition of any
evaporated. wine contain any flavor characteristics substance foreign to wine that changes
(c) Use of wooden storage tanks. of the special natural wine, those wine the character of the wine, or the
spirits may be used only in the abstraction of ingredients so as to
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS
Wooden storage tanks used for the
addition of spirits may be used for the production of a special natural wine. change the character of the wine, if not
baking of wine. (2) Distillation proof requirements. consistent with good commercial
The proof of wine spirits at distillation practice, is not permitted on bonded
(Sec. 201, Pub. L. 85–859, 72 Stat. 1383–
1384, 1386, as amended (26 U.S.C. 5382,
must not be reduced by the addition of wine premises. The materials listed in
5386)) water. In addition, a product is not this section are approved as being
considered to be wine spirits if it is consistent with good commercial
■ 5. Section 24.186 is added to read as distilled at less than 140 degrees of practice in the production, cellar
follows: proof except in the following cases: treatment, or finishing of wine and,
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![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 225 / Tuesday, November 22, 2016 / Proposed Rules 83771
PROCESSES AUTHORIZED FOR THE TREATMENT OF WINE, JUICE, AND DISTILLING MATERIAL—Continued
Process Use Reference or limitation
* * * * * * *
Spinning cone column 2 .................................... To reduce the ethyl alcohol content of wine Use shall not alter vinous character. For
and to remove off flavors in wine. standard wine, the same amount of essence
must be added back to any lot of wine as
was originally removed.
* * * * * * *
Thin film evaporation under reduced To separate wine into a low alcohol wine frac- Use shall not alter vinous character. Water
preasure 2. tion and into a higher alcohol distillate. separated with alcohol during processing
may be recovered by refluxing in a closed
continuous system and returned to the wine.
The addition of water other than that origi-
nally present in the wine prior to processing,
will render standard wine other than stand-
ard wine.
1 In cross-flow filtration, the wine is passed across the filter membrane (tangentially) at positive pressure relative to the permeate side. A pro-
portion of the wine which is smaller than the membrane pore size passes through the membrane as permeate or filtrate; everything else is re-
tained on the feed side of the membrane as retentate.
2 When used to remove ethyl alcohol (dealcoholization), this process must be done on distilled spirits plant premises. However, reverse osmo-
sis and nanofilitration, under certain limited conditions, may be used on bonded winery premises if ethyl alcohol is only temporarily created within
a closed system.
* * * * * (b) Removal of accidentally added accidentally added to the wine was
■10. Paragraph (b) of § 24.250 is water with TTB approval. If a proprietor removed as a result of the treatment or
amended to read as follows: accidentally adds water to standard process.
wine and the accidentally added water (Sec. 201, Pub. L. 85–859, 72 Stat. 1383–
§ 24.250 Application for use of new
treating material or process.
represents more than 10 percent of the 1384, as amended (26 U.S.C. 5382))
original volume of the wine, then the
(b) Documentary evidence from the proprietor must request permission from Signed: June 16, 2016.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration that TTB prior to treating the wine. A John J. Manfreda,
the material is consistent with the food proprietor may submit an application Administrator.
additive requirements under the Federal requesting permission to treat the wine Approved: October 25, 2016.
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for its to remove the water and return the wine Timothy E. Skud,
intended purpose in the amounts to its original condition. The removal of Deputy Assistant Secretary. (Tax, Trade, and
proposed for the particular treatment water may not be conducted until the Tariff Policy).
contemplated; appropriate TTB officer has approved [FR Doc. 2016–27581 Filed 11–21–16; 8:45 am]
* * * * * the request. The application, which is to BILLING CODE 4810–31–P
■ 11. Section 24.251 is added to read as be submitted to the appropriate TTB
follows: officer, must be in writing, must provide
§ 24.251 Salvaging accidentally diluted evidence of the exact amount of water ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
wine. accidentally added to the wine and an AGENCY
(a) Removal of accidentally added explanation of how the water was
water without prior TTB approval. If a accidentally added, and must specify 40 CFR Part 52
proprietor accidentally adds to standard the method the proprietor will use to
remove the water from the wine. In [EPA–R06–OAR–2016–0206; FRL–9954–83–
wine water in excess of limitations Region 6]
specified in subparts F and L of this approving any request under this
part, the accidentally diluted wine may section, the appropriate TTB officer may Approval and Promulgation of
be returned to its original condition require the proprietor to take steps to Implementation Plans; Louisiana;
through the use of reverse osmosis and prevent future accidental additions of Revisions to the New Source Review
distillation without prior application to water to wine. In evaluating any request State Implementation Plan; Air Permit
TTB provided that: under this section, the appropriate TTB Procedure Revisions
(1) The accidentally added water officer may consider as a factor whether
represents no more than 10 percent of the proprietor has demonstrated good AGENCY: Environmental Protection
the original volume of the wine; commercial practices, taking into Agency (EPA).
(2) The wine is returned to its original account the proprietor’s prior history of ACTION: Proposed rule.
condition by removing an amount of accidental addition of water to wine and
water equal to the amount that was of compliance with other regulations in SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection
part 24. Agency (EPA) is proposing to partially
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS
accidentally added to the wine;
(3) The vinous character of the wine (c) Records. The proprietor must, with approve and partially disapprove
is not altered; respect to removals of water from wine severable portions of four revisions to
(4) The proprietor transfers the wine authorized under this section, maintain the Louisiana New Source Review
in bond to a distilled spirits plant for records that document the accidental (NSR) State Implementation Plan (SIP)
treatment; and addition of water, the use of any submitted by the Louisiana Department
(5) Records are maintained in treatment or process to remove the of Environmental Quality (LDEQ).
accordance with paragraph (c) of this water from the wine, and the fact that Specifically, we are proposing to
section. only the amount of water that was partially approve and partially
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Document Created: 2018-02-14 08:29:18
Document Modified: 2018-02-14 08:29:18
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Notice of proposed rulemaking. | |
| Dates | Comments must be received by January 23, 2017. | |
| Contact | Kara Fontaine, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Box 12, Washington, DC 20005; phone 202-453-1039, ext. 103. | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 83752 | |
| RIN Number | 1513-AB61 | |
| CFR Associated | Administrative Practice and Procedure; Claims; Electronic Fund Transfers; Excise Taxes; Exports; Food Additives; Fruit Juices; Labeling; Liquors; Packaging and Containers; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Research; Scientific Equipment; Spices and Flavoring; Surety Bonds; Vinegar; Warehouses and Wine |
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