Department of Health Launches Consultation on Alcohol Labelling
The Department of Health has launched a consultation regarding alcohol labelling, including an independent study which claims that 85 per cent of alcoholic drinks are insufficiently labeled.
The study claims that drinks manufacturers are ignoring the voluntary agreement put in place in 2007 to include five key pieces of information on labels. The information includes pregnancy advice, unit information, responsible drinking messages, NHS recommended limits and Drinkaware links.
The department is consulting on how best to improve unit and health information for consumers on alcohol labels. Comments are invited on the proposals, which include a renewed and strengthened voluntary agreement, or a mandatory requirement through legislation, under the Food Safety Act.
The Government consultation will ask for views on how best to improve unit and health information on the labels, offering three options to move forward:
- Do nothing and continue with the current voluntary agreement
- Renew and strengthen the self regulatory agreement
- Introduce a mandatory requirement on labelling.
Public Health Minister Gillian Merron said: “We know that too many are drinking at harmful levels and producers should play their part in helping to step this tide by ensuring we all have access to clear and consistent health information on labels.”
The proposals affect on-pack labeling only. The consultation closes on May 9 2010.