Ireland to become first country in the world to put health warnings on alcohol

The labels will detail the dangers of drinking while pregnant, liver disease and cancers. However, Ireland’s plan has faced protests from Italy, Spain and six other EU member states that have said it could cause problems within the single market.

Ireland is set to become the first country in the world to put health warnings on alcohol products.

Dublin’s health minister Stephen Donnelly signed new regulations on Monday, which will warn drinkers about the health risks of drinking alcohol, as well as the calorie count of the product.

The Irish government said the regulations would bring alcohol products in line with requirements for food packaging.

Mr Donnelly said: “I welcome that we are the first country in the world to take this step and introduce comprehensive health labelling of alcohol products.

“I look forward to other countries following our example.”

The labels will detail the dangers of drinking while pregnant, potentially fatal cancers and the risks of liver disease.

Ireland’s plan has faced protests from Italy, Spain and six other EU member states that have said it could cause problems within the single market.

Source: https://news.sky.com/story/ireland-to-become-first-country-in-the-world-to-put-health-warnings-on-alcohol-12887039