Alcohol Beverage Labeling Act (ABLA)
The Alcohol Beverage Labeling Act of 1988 (ABLA) is the federal law that mandates the health warning statement on all alcoholic beverage containers sold in the United States.
In Plain English
The ABLA is the law that put health warnings on alcohol bottles. Since 1989, every container of beverage alcohol sold in the United States must carry a specific government warning about the risks of drinking during pregnancy and while operating machinery. You have probably seen this on every bottle of wine, beer, and spirits you have ever purchased. The warning must use specific language prescribed by law, appear in a conspicuous location, and meet minimum size requirements. The TTB enforces this requirement as part of the COLA review process, so any label submitted without the proper warning statement will be rejected.
Technical Detail
The ABLA (Public Law 100-690, Title VIII) requires the following statement on all beverage alcohol containers: "GOVERNMENT WARNING: (1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems." The statement must be on a contrasting background, in a type size no smaller than 2mm for containers of 237ml or less, 3mm for containers over 237ml up to 3 liters, and proportionally larger for larger containers. The regulation is codified at 27 CFR Part 16. The TTB verifies the presence and proper formatting of the health warning as part of every COLA review.
Why It Matters
The health warning requirement affects every label design in the industry and is one of the most common reasons for COLA rejection when improperly formatted. For label designers and packaging companies, understanding the exact sizing, placement, and wording requirements is essential. The warning is a non-negotiable element that takes up label real estate and must be factored into every design. For compliance consultants, verifying the correct implementation of the health warning is a routine part of label review services.
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the wording of the government warning be changed?
No. The exact wording is prescribed by law and cannot be altered, abbreviated, or paraphrased. It must appear exactly as specified in the ABLA, including the preamble "GOVERNMENT WARNING:" and both numbered statements.
Where on the label must the warning appear?
The warning must appear on the brand label or a separate label affixed to the container. It must be conspicuous and readily legible, separate and apart from other information. It cannot be placed where it will be obscured or obliterated.
Are there any products exempt from the health warning?
Products with less than 0.5 percent alcohol by volume are generally exempt. Products sold exclusively for export may also be exempt from the U.S. health warning requirement, though they must comply with the destination country's labeling laws.