Post by akbar on Apr 11, 2024 5:01:13 GMT -5
Beginning in 2026, alcohol sold in Ireland will be legally required to bear cancer warning labels. The move has sparked fierce opposition from alcohol businesses worldwide, but it is also inspiring a push in some other countries to pursue similar measures.
The new labels are intended to help inform people who aren't fully aware of the health effects of drinking, officials said. According to the annual government-commissioned Healthy Ireland survey, 79% of respondents didn't know about the risk of breast cancer from drinking more than recommended, 60% didn't know about the risks of bowel cancer and 7% believed it was safe to drink small amounts of alcohol while pregnant.
Rachel Morrogh, director of advocacy at the Irish Cancer Society, praised the government for taking steps to reduce new cancer cases and said there was support from the public for such a move.
"Today's announcement shows that once again, Ireland is trailblazing in the area of public health legislation," Morrogh said in a statement. "Signing the labelling regulations into law is a clear statement that reducing preventable disease is a priority for Government."
Still, the new labeling requirements have gotten some pushback from trade groups representing alcohol sellers in the European Union, who say it will make trade more difficult within the bloc.
The European Committee of Wine Companies and the group spiritsEUROPE filed formal complaints with the European Commission, saying they supported Ireland's efforts to combat alcohol abuse but that the new regulations would be too burdensome on businesses.
I can hear the lobbyist in Washington DC now!