Government to unveil alcohol health warning label plans (From The Northern Echo)

Government to unveil alcohol health warning label plans

12:00pm Monday 15th February 2010 in

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Plans to introduce alcohol warnings on bottles of wine, beer and spirits are to be announced by the Government today.

The Department of Health will publish a consultation on moves to ensure that the content of alcoholic drinks is clearly labelled.

It was reported that ministers were considering mandatory warnings if the alcohol industry did not comply with a voluntary code.

The labels would feature a reminder about the effects of alcohol consumption, how many units were contained and recommended daily limits, The Daily Telegraph said.

It is also planned to feature the logo of the Drink Aware campaign.

The announcement comes as some drinks companies are apparently refusing to comply with a voluntary code to introduce labels themselves.

Health Secretary Andy Burnham said: "We have now received assurances to comply from most of the major manufacturers and retailers.

"I invite the industry as a whole to deliver on these assurances."

Ian Gilmore, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said: "The code should be mandatory. If the industry is dragging its heels, we cannot wait another three years for them to comply."

What do you think of the Government's plans for health warnings on bottles of alcohol? Share your views below.