includes precise specifications depending on individual countries’ laws, but certain details must be stated on the label of a bottle of beer. In the United States, federal regulations specify that all of the following must be declared: the brand name, the class (type) of beer, the name and address of the bottler/packer or importer, the alcoholic content by weight or volume (if required by the relevant state’s law), and the net content. Additionally, the following health advice must be prominently displayed:

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.

In the UK, under the Food Labelling Regulations act of 1996, it is essential to declare alcoholic content by volume and a best-before date. Other food laws ensure that the net content is displayed and that the nature of the goods is accurately described. Other countries have similar rulings. In Australia and New Zealand, for example, it is necessary to include a statement of the approximate number of “standard drinks” in the package, a standard drink equating to the amount of a beverage containing 10 g of alcohol at 20°C (68°F).

In addition to the bare minimum of information for legality, brewers all over the world are increasingly choosing to add more detail to their labels as the recognition grows that customers are interested in learning more about the product. These details include ingredients, allergy advice, the history of the brewery, the background of the beer and the beer style, beer and food pairing ideas, units of alcohol, and tasting notes.

See also law.