Self-regulation has ‘failed’ in alcohol packaging

The Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA) has called for tougher rules on alcohol labelling after research found alcohol producers are neglecting to communicate up-to-date drinking guidelines.

The AHA has called for tougher rules on alcohol labelling

Of 315 product labels reviewed across 27 locations in the UK during May 2017, researchers found that just one featured the low-risk weekly drinking guidelines announced by the UK’s chief medical officers in January 2016.

Where labels did contain information on the drinking guidelines – which state that men and women should not exceed more than 14 units a week – the information was either out-of-date, or incorrect – instead containing guidelines for the Republic of Ireland.

Researchers also reported that no labels contained health warnings of illnesses and diseases linked with alcohol.

Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, chair of the AHA, said: “There is something seriously wrong with the system when consumers in the UK are more likely to buy a produce containing the Irish drinking guidelines rather than the current UK ones.

“Self-regulation has failed. Instead of alcohol producers deciding what to include on labels, the government should now require all labels to contain the latest guidelines and information on the health conditions linked with alcohol.

“Alcohol is linked with over 200 diseases and injury conditions, including cancer, heart disease and liver disease, yet awareness of these links is currently very low. We know, for example, that only 1 in 10 people are aware of the link between alcohol and cancer.

“The public have the right to know about the health impacts of alcohol, so that they are empowered to make informed choices about their drinking.”

John Timothy, chief executive of UK alcohol watchdog the Portman Group, said industry self-regulation has had “an undeniably positive effect in driving up standards and demonstrating responsibility”.

“For many years, producers have voluntarily chosen to display key health and alcohol information on labels as well as directing consumers to drinkaware.co.uk for independent advice and online tools,” he stated.

“In response to updated guidance from the Department of Health published earlier this year, the Portman Group has worked with the industry to update best practice for communicating key information – this will be published shortly.

“As with all guidance changes, a realistic timescale for implementation is being agreed with the Food Standards Agency and the Department of Health.”