Australia: Move to see health warnings on alcohol
November 30, 2017
The ACT is leading a campaign supporting the introduction of mandatory pregnancy health warnings on alcoholic beverages.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Meegan Fitzharris presented the case for such warnings at the Australian and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation last week.
Ms Fitzharris said that currently warning labels were voluntary, meaning many products did not carry important messages about the dangers of drinking alcohol when pregnant or while breastfeeding.
“If a foetus is exposed to alcohol, it can result in a range of adverse effects to the brain and organs of an unborn child, collectively known as Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“Australia’s national guidelines, developed by health professionals, say that for women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, no alcohol is the safest option.”
Pregnant women targetted
She said there was no reason mandatory labelling on alcoholic products should not be implemented in Australia.
“Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a serious public health issue and increasing the awareness of the dangers of consuming alcohol during pregnancy and while breastfeeding is essential,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“As a jurisdiction focused on keeping Canberrans healthy and well, we should be doing all we can to encourage consumers to make good choices that can prevent adverse health impacts.”
The West Australian Government has joined the ACT in calling for the changes.