Tax & Trade
Will formulas that were adopted be visible in the new TTB Formulas Online system under the current company/ownership?
Eventually, all of them. TTB will have to manually associate the predecessor company with the current owner. The previous database did not allow for that. Making those changes will not be a high priority for TTB right away.
What is the difference between the role of submitter and approver in the new TTB Formulas Online system?
The roles are preparer and submitter. The preparer can’t click the “submit” button.
How much history will be loaded from the old system to the new TTB online system and what information from the old sytem will still be available?
All of the history from the old system will be available back to late 1990 but, anything in pending status will not be visible.
The old information will not include box 13; only date received, date completed, eligible alcohol, alcohol content of finished product and new + recovered (current box #11 on form) if filled in.
Is the user manual for TTB Formulas Online available prior to go-live and/or registration?
It is currently available on the TTB website: http://www.ttb.gov/foia/fonl-docs/fonl_oim_um.pdf
Is a particular species of oak chips, Quercus sessile, allowed for use in the United States and Canada?
The United States CFR citation for oak chip is for use in alcoholic beverages only – specifically 21 CFR 172.510 - Natural flavoring substances and natural substances used in conjunction with flavors. The CFR states: “Natural flavoring substances and natural adjuvants may be safely used in food in accordance with the following conditions. (a) They are used in the minimum quantity required to produce their intended physical or technical effect and in accordance with all the principles of good manufacturing practice. (b) In the appropriate forms (plant parts, fluid and solid extracts, concentrates, absolutes, oils, gums, balsams, resins, oleoresins, waxes, and distillates) they consist of one or more of the following, used alone or in combination with flavoring substances and adjuvants generally recognized as safe in food, previously sanctioned for such use, or regulated in any section of this part.” Only the particular species “Oak, English, wood .... Quercus robur L ..... Do.” is listed and the limitation specifies use in alcoholic beverages only.
In Canada, there is a short negative list (of prohibited plants) but no Canada positive list as such. The authorities there recognize FDA, FEMA or even Council of Europe referenced materials in any company's defense of the argument that a material is "safe for human consumption" under the general terms of Canadian law. Unable to find the "sessile" species on the FDA or CoE lists, it’s not likely allowed based on not finding any citation in the above references. The "proof" of safety would be fully in the hands of the user if challenged by CFIA or Health Canada.