Warning Labels for Alcohol

MEDIA RELEASE
21 April 2009

Coroners are calling for warning labels on alcohol. It’s time for policy makers to stop dithering and respond directly.

A register of recommendations issued by coroners over the past 20 months is now available on the internet. A recurring recommendation is for warning labels on alcohol, similar to those printed on tobacco packets. Coroners also call for greater efforts to educate the public on the dangers of alcohol consumption.

A recent report, prepared for the Ministry of Health and ACC, estimates the cost of alcohol-related harm in New Zealand to be nearly $4.8 billion a year (BERL March 2009). Alcohol consumption is clearly on the increase.

Alcohol Healthwatch director Rebecca Williams says that issue of warning labels has been left to wallow in the Food Standards Australia New Zealand processes for years now and this is simply not good enough. Consumers have a fundamental right to be informed of the risks of any product on the market. The fact that alcohol continues to escape this requirement is testament to the market forces at play. Rather than prioritising the health and safety of New Zealanders policy makers are allowing industry interests prevail.

Bold and clear warning messages are a cost-effective way of raising awareness and reminding the public of the risks associated with drinking. They are an essential part of the mix of strategies needed to achieve the desired change to our drinking culture.

New Zealand producers exporting their products already comply with the labelling requirements of countries that require warning labels, such as Canada and USA. The New Zealand public deserves the same protection.

Advising against drinking during pregnancy, drinking by the young and drinking prior to driving a motor-vehicle would be top priorities for warning labels in New Zealand.

ENDS

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