03-14709. Proposed Collection; Comment Request

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). Currently, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau is soliciting comments concerning the Labeling of Sulfites in Alcoholic Beverages.

DATES:

Written comments should be received on or before August 11, 2003 to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to Linda Barnes, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 650 Massachusetts Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20226, [phone].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information or copies of the form(s) and instructions should be directed to Kristy Colon, 650 Massachusetts Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20226; [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: Labeling of Sulfites in Alcoholic Beverages.

OMB Number: 1513-0084.

Abstract: In accordance with our consumer protection responsibilities, as mandated by law, TTB requires label disclosure statements on all alcoholic beverage products released from U.S. bottling premises or customs custody that contain 10 parts per million or more of sulfites. Sulfiting agents have been shown to produce allergic-type responses in humans, particularly asthmatics, and the presence of these ingredients in alcohol beverages may have serious health implications for those who are intolerant of sulfites. Disclosure of sulfites on labels of alcohol beverages will minimize their exposure to these ingredients.

Current Actions: There are no changes to this information collection and it is being submitted for extension purposes only.

Type of Review: Extension.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 4,787.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 3,159.

Request for comments: Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (e) estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information.

Dated: June 3, 2003.

William H. Foster,

Chief, Regulations and Procedures Division.