Drinks industry must do better on labelling
Monday 15 February 2010
The drinks industry is failing to adhere to a voluntary agreement with the government on alcohol labels. Latest data shows 85% of drinks are not labelled properly.
New research shows that the drinks industry is not providing enough information to consumers about units and health harms. Under the voluntary agreement developed in 2007 the industry agreed to put five key pieces of information on labels: unit information, pregnancy advice, a message about responsible drinking, a logo and a link for Drinkaware, and the NHS recommended limits. Data published today in an independent report shows that only 15% of drinks give consumers enough information.
Download a copy of the report 'Monitoring implementation of alcohol labelling regime stage 2' from the Department of Health website.
The government has also launched a UK-wide consultation to consider how best to improve unit and health information for consumers on alcohol labels, whether through a renewed and strengthened voluntary agreement or a mandatory requirement through legislation under the Food Safety Act. The consultation runs until 9 May 2010.
Download 'Consultation on options for improving information on the lables of alcoholic drinks to support consumers to make healthier choices in the UK' from the Department of Health website.
See Alcohol Concern's press comment on this announcement.