The WHO asks for the introduction of mandatory labels on alcoholic beverages to warn consumers of the risks related to their consumption. Currently, in Europe, Ireland is the first country to have already taken a concrete step in this direction
Alcohol hurts – now we all know – or maybe not? Despite scientific evidence, it seems that many consumers still ignore the risks related to the consumption of alcoholic beverages. The WHO has long dealt with the issue and now asks for clear (and mandatory) labels to warn on the dangers to health.
The problem is not to be underestimated, we are talking about 800 thousand deaths per year in Europe alone, according to WHO data. Experts believe that the labels indicate the dangers for health evidently and clearly, given that thealcoholas several research have highlighted, It is one of the main preventable causes of tumors.
In a recent report published on The Lancet, The WHO recalls that, despite existing solid scientific evidence on the link between alcohol and cancer, many people are not aware of the risks. A recent study revealed that only 15% of interviewees are aware of the fact that alcohol can increase the risk of breast cancer, and only 39% know that it is also related to colon cancer.
The problem is also serious because, as we read on The Lancet:
The dissemination of information on alcohol cancer risks is particularly important since this risk does not have a lower threshold. For example, a systematic review and a 2024 meta-analysis of all studies on the use of alcohol and female breast cancer have shown that for the consumption of less than a standard drink (10 g of pure alcohol per day), The relative risk estimate for breast cancer was significantly elevated to 1.04 (95% 1.01-1.07) compared to the counterfactual scenario not to drink. This information is important, together with the information on absolute risk, since many women consume alcohol at lower levels compared to men. Consequently, relatively high proportions of cancer attributable to alcohol (14%) are caused by the consumption of less than two drinks per day globally; In absolute numbers, this amounts to more than 100,000 cases per year.
Labels on alcoholic beverages, the desired effects
Warning labels, according to WHO, represent A simple but powerful tool to raise awareness of consumers. The main objective is obviously promoting healthier habits, encouraging responsible behavior and preventing long -term damage.
A study conducted in 14 countries highlighted that labels on cancer risks are particularly effective in arousing reflections on the link between alcohol and health. Not only do they inform, but also stimulate a change in social perceptions on alcohol, leading consumers to consider the real risks related to its consumption.
The WHO highlights that the introduction of labels would not only provide crucial information, but could also positively affect public health, encouraging changes in consumer habits, especially among young peopleand thus helping to reduce cases of alcohol tumors.
But where are we in Europe regarding the introduction of warning labels on alcoholic beverages? Currently, Ireland It is the country of the European Union further on the issue: Starting from May 2026, all alcohol labels will have to report warnings on cancer risks.
If we widen globally, Ireland is the second country, after South Korea, to legislate on the inclusion of “warning” messages on alcohol packs. However, in South Korea, companies have the right to choose alternative labels that do not directly mention the risk of cancer, thus leaving the freedom to adopt this warning to the producers.
Those who market in wine, beer and spirits, of course, all this does not like, but public health should always be priority.
