Investigating the Potential Impact of Changing Alcohol Product Labels

Conclusion Changes to the design and content of alcohol labels could help drinkers make more informed choices in relation to alcohol and health. However, this study suggests that consumers pay little attention to health information as currently found on labels. This includes warnings about drinking while pregnant and ‘drink responsibly’ messaging. Such information is typically placed in small font on the reverse of labels (Royal Society for Public Health, 2018)[8] but consumers are more likely to look at information if it is prominently displayed on the front of a product rather than the back or side (Spink, J. et al., 2011)[9]. The provision of nutritional information, information on low-risk drinking guidelines, and advice for pregnancy, is not currently a legal requirement. As a result, labels are inconsistent and their regulation is reliant on industry self-regulation. The Government should make the clear display of such information mandatory, as well as improving the requirements for the provision of health information. Further information Contact: Mark Leyshon, Alcohol Concern Cymru at MLeyshon@alcoholconcern.org.uk References [1]Stockwell, T. (2006) A review of research into the impacts of alcohol warning labels on attitudes and behaviour. Centre for Addictions Research of BC. [2] Public Heath England (2016) The publi...
Source: Alcohol Research UK - Category: Addiction Authors: Tags: Alcohol Insights Source Type: news