31 January 2010

Labels on alcohol warning pregnant women of the dangers of drinking while pregnant are long overdue, Green Party alcohol spokesperson Sue Kedgley said today.

A food labelling review by Food Standards Australia New Zealand has recommended mandatory warning messages about the risks of drinking while pregnant, labels on all alcohol, and for the energy content of alcohol to be declared on labels.

“The medical evidence is overwhelming that drinking during pregnancy puts babies at risk of foetal alcohol syndrome,” said Ms Kedgley.

“Presently there is no need for alcohol companies to state this on a label.”

“It is estimated that as many as one baby in 100 is affected by foetal alcohol syndrome which can have devastating effects on babies’ brains and other organs.”

Ms Kedgley said the Health Select Committee recommended warning labels on alcohol
in 2002, and she was surprised that the recent Law Commission’s review had overlooked this important issue.

“I hope this recommendation will be taken up by the committee undertaking a review of our alcohol laws,” said Ms Kedgley.

“It is an important component of a campaign to warn pregnant women about the toxic effects of alcohol on the developing foetus.

“The alcohol industry is failing to act responsibly by not informing consumers
of the risks involved of drinking during pregnancy,” Ms Kedgley said.

“The alcohol industry could even be guilty of misleading consumers to these risks.”

Ms Kedgley also supported a recommendation for the energy content of alcohol to be declared on labels.

ENDS

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