Making informed decisions- the value of labels Eurocare’s view and recommendation on labeling MEPs Against Cancer 7 December 2010

Eurocare- We care about Europe Where alcohol related harm is NO longer one of the leading risk factors for ill-health and pre- mature death Therefore, we view labelling as ONE of the key elements to achieve this

Background for labelling initiative EU Alcohol Strategy informing educating and raising awareness is identified as a priority for action Information at point of sale or on products as an example Strategy involves exploring in cooperation with MS and stakeholders the usefulness of a common approach in the EU to provide information.

French pictogram – since October 2007 All alcoholic packages require pictogram or: ”Consumption of alcoholic beverages during pregnancy even in small amounts can seriously damage the child’s health”

Health and Safety warning messages worldwide 23 countries (mandatory and voluntary) North America: United States, Mexico South& Central America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cost Rica, Ecuador, el Salvador, Guatemala Asia: China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand Europe: France, Germany, Russia, United Kingdom Africa: South Africa

NONE of them mentions cancer specifically

Thailand- setting a precedent? Warnings in form of picture printed in 4 colours and 6 types which must be rotated at 1,000 package intervals No less than 30% of the total surface area of the package

Proposed pictures- Thailand

Pictorial warnings proposed by campaigners in Australia

Health warnings on alcohol beverages should: Have a standard format and design – irrespective of the brand Placed in a standard location on the container Be parallel to the base of the container, in a box Appear on a contrasting background (black on white) Label size as a minimum percentage of the package size Rotating with sufficient frequency

Determined by the European Institutions/Ministers of Health NON – Promotional, no branding Images need to be informational in style UNDERSTANDABLE, Factual Separate from other information of the label Educate and inform rather than authoritarian and prescriptive of behaviour

Voluntary scheme- the UK example Campden Chorleywood Food Research Association (2008) report 85% of alcoholic drinks are not labelled Recommended text only in 2.4% On average only 1.2% of the total printed area

Eurocare’s view Alcohol is linked to cancer – specifically, it can cause cancer of the pharynx, larynx, breast, colon, rectum and liver There is little public awareness about this link. Eurobarometer survey (2010): 1 in 5 people do not believe there is any link between cancer and alcohol However, there is strong public support 79% for health warnings on the known risks (pregnancy and drink driving) Consumers have the right to be informed of the risks connected with alcohol consumption. Mandatory health warning labels can achieve this objective. :

Start informing Stop misinforming

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