In line with requirements for food packaging, Ireland plans to introduce health warning labels on alcohol products, listing risks as well as a product’s calorie count and the number of grams of alcohol.
Irish Health Minister Stephen Donnelly signed the new regulations into law on Monday, saying he looked forward to other countries following their example, reports the BBC. The regulations will kick in from 2026.
“I welcome that we are the first in the world to take this step and introduce comprehensive health labelling of alcohol products.”
Consumers will be warned about the dangers of drinking while pregnant as well as the risks of liver disease and fatal cancers.
However, in January, Italy’s ambassador to Ireland told Irish broadcaster RTÉ that the plans were “totally disproportionate”. Wine production remains a major export industry in Italy.
Ruggero Corrias said: “…the warnings should be proportionate and, in this case, saying that drinking alcohol – on a bottle of wine – causes liver disease, is totally disproportionate.”
BBC News article – Ireland to introduce alcohol label health warning (Open access)
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