Nutrition Labels Coming to A Beer Near You

WASHINGTION (WJZ)—Beer drinkers may soon see just how nutritious that cold beverage is due to a new voluntary disclosure initiative.

According to The Beer Institute--a Washington, D.C, based company that represents the $252.6 billion beer industry--participating beer companies will soon voluntarily list calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat and alcohol by volume on their beer products by including a serving facts statement consistent with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Trade Bureau (TTB) ruling 2013-2.

It's all in an effort by the Brewers' Voluntary Disclosure Initiative, an important new approach by which beer companies will voluntarily include a serving facts statement on their products.

"The Beer Institute, and its member companies, believes this is a step in the right direction to demonstrate a commitment to quality and transparency through these voluntary measures. Beer is the most popular alcohol beverage in the United States, and I look forward to brewers and importers including a serving facts statement along with disclosing all ingredients in their products," said Jim McGreevy, Beer Institute President and CEO. "Providing meaningful information will ultimately empower the consumer when making decisions regarding the beer beverage of their choice."

The Beer Institute says Anheuser-Busch, MillerCoors, HeinekenUSA, Constellation Brands Beer Division, North American Breweries and Craft Brew Alliance, have agreed to follow these standards.

Consumers should begin to see the impact of the Brewers' Voluntary Disclosure Initiative immediately across the U.S. market.