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This editorial from academics in Australia and Sweden looked at the opposition from countries as part of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to Ireland’s upcoming laws to label all alcohol products with cancer warnings.
Several countries in the WTO have raised objections, saying that the laws put an overemphasis on risk, should focus on overconsumption, and “risk sounding alarmist”.
However, the editorial argues that the scientific consensus supports the new laws, stating that alcohol is the 2nd biggest cause of cancer, behind tobacco use. The World Health Organisation also supports the new laws.
Dr Frank Houghton, Director of Social Sciences ConneXions, Technological University of the Shannon, said:
“The introduction of mandatory alcohol warning labels in Ireland is a crucial and significant health initiative. The link between alcohol consumption and numerous types of cancer is undeniable. Consumers have the right to understand the adverse consequences of alcohol consumption.
It was obvious that some governments in the grip of alcohol lobbies would inevitably oppose this legislation at the WTO level. Our government just needs to show courage and remain steadfast in the face of such resistance. Public health interests clearly outweigh these commercial sensitivities.
We have seen such failed opposition in relation to tobacco warnings in the past, and now we see it with alcohol. The Irish initiative will undoubtedly be followed by other countries, both within the EU and farther afield.”
Prof Helen Roche, Professor of Nutrigenomics, Director Of Academic Centre – Conway Institute, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin (UCD), said:
“It is important to raise the conversation in relation to alcohol intake and health, in this case related to cancer. Ireland has a high level of consumption of alcohol, many people do not understand or appreciate the potential adverse effect of excessive consumption – within that context labelling is a means of informing the public. Ideally this should be associated with an educational programme to support a healthy relationship with alcohol, particularly for young people.”
‘A chance for countries to support Ireland’s world-leading cancer warning labels for alcohol containers’ by O’Brien et. al. was published in Drug and Alcohol Review at 16:00 Irish time Monday 18th November 2024.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.13977
Declarations of Interest
Dr Houghton: Dr Houghton has received funding from the Higher Education Authority North- South grant scheme to explore the development of all Ireland alcohol warning labels. He is also in receipt of funding from the French addictions charity OFDT exploring alcohol marketing to young people via social media.