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Top Ten Reasons

Want to get it right the first time? Then check out the list of top reasons for returns of beverage formula submissions in Formulas Online. While applying for approval in the Formulas Online system, you may receive any of these reasons. Select your commodity below to see the top reasons.

Distilled Spirits: Top Reasons 

Please upload a specification sheet or an image of the label clearly showing the list of ingredients for the following item(s). Specification sheets are typically available from the ingredient manufacturer. [See Specification Sheet].

Please provide the proof at distillation of the base spirit when it comes off the still, before the addition of water. If you have provided the proof at distillation please verify the value(s). You should add this to your method of manufacture.

Please upload a specification sheet or an image of the label clearly showing the list of ingredients for the following item(s). Specification sheets are typically available from the ingredient manufacturer. [See Specification Sheet].

To help us evaluate your formula, please provide the information requested in the Additional Description column.

For the finished alcohol ingredient (base alcohol), please add or attach one of the following:

  • TTB Formula ID number,
  • Approved TTB formula; or,
  • A complete list of ingredients/manufacturing method.

To help us evaluate your formula, please provide the information requested in the Additional Description column.

To help us evaluate your formula, in the Submitter Remarks section below, please provide the information that is being requested regarding the following ingredient(s):

In your list of ingredients, please provide the agricultural origin of the alcohol (e.g. wheat, sugar
cane, grape).

This distilled spirit product does not require formula review nor sample analysis. You may proceed to Labeling. [See TTB Ruling 2016-3]

The method of manufacture (MoM) should be a detailed, step-by-step guide that describes how the product is made and includes all ingredients. Please revise your MoM accordingly.

Malt Beverage (Beer): Top Reasons 

Please upload a Flavor Ingredient Data (FID) Sheet for each compounded flavor specified in your ingredients list. You can obtain FID sheets from the flavor manufacturer. [See FID Sheet for more information].

This malt beverage product does not require formula review nor sample analysis because it is composed of exempt ingredients or processes. You may proceed to Labeling. [See TTB Ruling 2015-1]

Please upload a Flavor Ingredient Data (FID) Sheet for each compounded flavor specified in your ingredients list. You can obtain FID sheets from the flavor manufacturer. [See FID Sheet for more information].

To help us evaluate your formula, please provide the information requested in the Additional Description column.

Please provide a copy of the GRAS Notification and number (Generally Recognized as Safe) for the ingredient. GRAS notifications are issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). [See How U.S. FDA's GRAS Notification Program Works]

Please send an email to FDA at premarkt@fda.hhs.gov with any questions concerning the use of this ingredient. Please indicate that this ingredient will be used in an alcohol beverage, along with information about the specific part that is added if applicable (e.g., stem, leaf).

To help us evaluate your formula, please provide the information requested in the Additional Description column.

Compounded flavors cannot be used until they have been approved by TTB's Nonbeverage Products Laboratory. The Flavor Ingredient Data (FID) sheet you submitted is missing a designation in either the Approval Status or the Classification category. Please upload a completed and approved FID sheet from the flavor manufacturer. [See FID Sheet for more information].

To help us evaluate your formula, please provide the information requested in the Additional Description column.

For the finished alcohol ingredient (base alcohol), please add or attach one of the
following:

  • TTB Formula ID number,
  • Approved TTB formula; or,
  • A complete list of ingredients/manufacturing method.

A malt beverage must contain malted barley. Please clarify if malted barley is being added.

  • If yes, please update your list of ingredients and method of manufacture.
  • If no, please state so in the Submitter Remarks section below and we will reclassify your product as a "Product excludes malted barley and/or hops" prior to approval.

[See 27 CFR 7.1]

Wine: Top Reasons

Please upload a Flavor Ingredient Data (FID) Sheet for each compounded flavor specified in your ingredients list. You can obtain FID sheets from the flavor manufacturer. [See FID Sheet for more information].

To help us evaluate your formula, please provide the information requested in the Additional Description column.

To help us evaluate your formula, please provide the information requested in the Additional Description column.

Please upload a specification sheet or an image of the label clearly showing the list of ingredients for the following item(s). Specification sheets are typically available from the ingredient manufacturer. [See Specification Sheet].

Compounded flavors cannot be used until they have been approved by TTB's Nonbeverage Products Laboratory. The Flavor Ingredient Data (FID) sheet you submitted is missing a designation in either the Approval Status or the Classification category. Please upload a completed and approved FID sheet from the flavor manufacturer. [See FID Sheet for more information].

Wine specialties may optionally state 'fermented with' if a flavor is added before or during fermentation. In your Method of Manufacture, please state at what stage is the flavor(s) added.

This wine product does not require formula review nor sample analysis. You may proceed to Labeling. [See TTB Ruling 2016-2]

Your method of manufacture does not match with your list of ingredients. Please be sure all ingredients you are using are specified on your ingredients list, and that your method of manufacture includes a description of how and when each ingredient you have listed will be added.

To help us evaluate your formula, please provide the information requested in the Additional Description column.

For the finished alcohol ingredient (base alcohol), please add or attach one of the following:

  • TTB Formula ID number,
  • Approved TTB formula; or,
  • A complete list of ingredients/manufacturing method.

CONTACT US

Got questions? Contact us about Formulas Online technical questions or see our TTB Online Help Center.  You may contact the Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division online or at 1-866-927-2533 option 7 for formula approval related questions.

Last updated: March 13, 2024