Ireland will put Cancer warning labels on alcohol bottles

Ireland is set to become the first country globally to introduce warning labels on alcohol bottles, specifically highlighting the reported cancer risks associated with alcohol consumption.

The Irish government has announced that the alcohol labels will include warnings about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, as well as the potential for liver disease and fatal cancers. Additionally, the labels will provide information regarding the calorie content of alcoholic beverages. The implementation of these labels is expected to occur within three years, specifically by May 2026.

Ireland's Health Minister, Stephen Donnelly, emphasized that health information and warnings are already present on the packaging of various food and drink products. He stated that this new law aims to align alcohol products with existing standards by including health information and warnings, ensuring consistency across different product categories.

Based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO), it was reported that in 2017, light to moderate alcohol consumption levels were responsible for nearly 23,000 new cases of cancer. Among these cases, approximately half were attributed to female breast cancers.

A global study published in the journal Lancet Oncology revealed that in 2020, alcohol use was associated with 7,000 new cases of cancer in Canada. The study indicated that 24% of breast cancer cases, 20% of colon cancers, 15% of rectal cancers, and 13% of oral and liver cancers were attributed to alcohol consumption.

In January, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) revised its guidelines on alcohol consumption. The updated guidelines now advise individuals to limit their alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per week. This is a significant reduction from the previous recommendation of up to two drinks per day, which was set in 2011.

The new guidance from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction emphasizes that reducing alcohol consumption leads to a lower risk of harm. The guidance points to overwhelming evidence that supports the idea that consuming less alcohol translates to reduced risks associated with alcohol-related harm.

In February, the Canadian Medical Association Journal urged Health Canada to mandate warning labels on all alcoholic beverages. The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) supported this call, stating that consumers have the right to easily accessible information regarding the health and safety risks associated with the products they purchase.