An independent report has said the drinks industry is failing to adhere to a voluntary agreement with government on alcohol labels. It found just 15 per cent of drinks give consumers sufficient information as per the voluntary code, which includes five key labelling elements identifying unit content and health harms.
In response the government has begun consultation on how best to improve unit and health information for consumers on alcohol labels. The consultation asks whether the industry should be made to improve through a mandatory labelling requirement, or whether the existing voluntary agreement should be left or attempts to strengthen it should be taken. Scotland has also begun a separate consultation.
A Department of Health press release contains further information, and there have been various reports including from the Guardian, BBC, Telegraph and Morning Advertiser.
A journal review 'Warnings on alcohol containers and advertisements: International experience and evidence on effects' is available to download here.
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