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15/02/2010
Booze Label Warning On Way?
A public consultation exercise on proposed labelling of alcohol, launched by the Department of Health in London, has been extended to Northern Ireland.
The consultation addresses how best to take forward action to better inform consumers about the number of units in alcoholic drinks, recommended alcohol intake, and guidance on alcohol and pregnancy.
Stormont Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey said: "It has been estimated that alcohol misuse costs Northern Ireland around £800million each and every year. However, no cost could bring home the real impact alcohol misuse has on individuals, families, and communities right across Northern Ireland.
"My Department recently led a cross-departmental action plan that seeks to reduce the level of young people's alcohol-related harm by addressing issues relating to education and prevention, treatment and support; and accessibility and availability.
"During the development of the action plan, a key issue was how to better inform the public about units and the recommended alcohol intake.
"The document contained an action to work with the other jurisdictions, and lobby for strengthening of the current agreements on labelling and advertising," he said.
The Minister added: "I have been working with colleagues across the UK to see what further action can be taken, particularly in relation to labelling, and we have agreed to take forward a UK wide consultation on this issue.
"I believe that ensuring that the majority of alcohol containers have information on unit content, recommended intake guidelines, and information on alcohol and pregnancy would be a positive step forward, and help to better educate and inform consumers."
(BMcC/GK)
The consultation addresses how best to take forward action to better inform consumers about the number of units in alcoholic drinks, recommended alcohol intake, and guidance on alcohol and pregnancy.
Stormont Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey said: "It has been estimated that alcohol misuse costs Northern Ireland around £800million each and every year. However, no cost could bring home the real impact alcohol misuse has on individuals, families, and communities right across Northern Ireland.
"My Department recently led a cross-departmental action plan that seeks to reduce the level of young people's alcohol-related harm by addressing issues relating to education and prevention, treatment and support; and accessibility and availability.
"During the development of the action plan, a key issue was how to better inform the public about units and the recommended alcohol intake.
"The document contained an action to work with the other jurisdictions, and lobby for strengthening of the current agreements on labelling and advertising," he said.
The Minister added: "I have been working with colleagues across the UK to see what further action can be taken, particularly in relation to labelling, and we have agreed to take forward a UK wide consultation on this issue.
"I believe that ensuring that the majority of alcohol containers have information on unit content, recommended intake guidelines, and information on alcohol and pregnancy would be a positive step forward, and help to better educate and inform consumers."
(BMcC/GK)
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