UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UK health bodies urge government to mandate cancer warnings on alcohol, saying current labels fail to reflect the true scale of health risks.
As reported by The Guardian, a coalition of doctors, charities, and public health experts has urged mandatory cancer warnings on beer, wine, and spirits sold in Britain.
Health advocates argue that clear labelling is needed to address public awareness in the UK. Alcohol causes seven types of cancer and 17,000 cases yearly.
What did WCRF say about cancer warnings on alcohol?
Medical and health organisations have urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to introduce mandatory cancer warnings on alcohol in a bold move to protect public health.
The World Cancer Research Fund, which led the appeal, said alcohol warnings need to be “bold and unambiguous” to impact public awareness.
It stated,
“The evidence is clear: health labelling on alcoholic drinks is urgently needed in the UK to help save lives. They should carry strong, clear messages about the health risks, which include the risk of cancer, far beyond vague advice like ‘consume in moderation’.”
Research from groups like WCRF and Cancer Research UK links alcohol consumption to higher risks of breast, bowel, liver, stomach, head, neck, and mouth cancer.
The WCRF’s head of policy and public affairs, Kate Oldridge-Turner, stated,
“Providing alcohol warning labels would empower millions to make informed choices by clearly understanding the risks.”
Sir Ian Gilmore’s views on Ireland’s alcohol labels
Prof Sir Ian Gilmore, who chairs the Alcohol Health Alliance, called on the UK to adopt Ireland’s approach to alcohol labelling.
He said,
“We must look to the fearless work of our neighbours in Ireland, whose new labelling policy provides a level playing field for all producers, leaving no room for loopholes or hiding information behind QR codes or tiny print.”
Mr Gilmore added,
“Improved alcohol labelling, including clear health warnings about the link to cancer, is not just a public health measure, it’s a fundamental consumer right. People deserve to know the risks to make informed choices about their health. But current labels and weak regulations are keeping drinkers in the dark.”
Which country was the first to add cancer warnings on alcohol?
Ireland will become the first nation globally to require cancer warning labels on alcoholic drinks, with new rules taking effect next May.
The labels will also highlight the risks of liver disease and harm to unborn babies caused by alcohol consumption.
What did the Portman Group say about cancer warning labels?
A drinks industry-backed Portman Group spokesperson, responsible for UK alcohol labelling, said,
“Whilst we do not dispute the link between alcohol and certain cancers, and that drinking at harmful levels is dangerous and increases risks, blanket cancer warning labels are not a proportionate policy measure and do not put the risks into an appropriate context. This can create unnecessary anxiety, eroding trust in health advice and alienating the very people who require support.”
According to the spokesperson, current alcohol labels include recommendations from British health officials not to exceed 14 units of alcohol weekly.
They added,
“Most people already drink within this guidance, which means their risks for associated diseases are low.”
What did the WHO say about cancer warnings on alcohol?
The World Health Organisation’s European branch declared in February that
“clear and prominent health warning labels on alcohol, which include a specific cancer warning, are a cornerstone of the right to health.”
The report called on governments to adopt warning labels to cut alcohol-related harm and highlight its link to cancer.
Dr Gauden Galea, a WHO adviser, warned in the report that policymakers must “resist all the pressure” from industry voices who oppose warning labels.
What did the Department of Health say about alcohol and cancer?
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson stated,
“Drinking alcohol increases the risk of a range of health issues, including several cancers. That is why we recommend people drink within the UK chief medical officer’s alcohol guidelines of fewer than 14 units a week, and strongly recommend these are displayed clearly on all alcohol products.”
They added,
“We recognise the need for more action on the impact of alcohol on health; for too long there has been an unwillingness to lead on this issue. Our plan for change will shift healthcare towards prevention, including through early intervention, to support people to live longer, healthier lives across the UK.”
UK alcohol-specific deaths
- 2023: 10,473 deaths (15.9 per 100,000 people)
- 2022: 10,048 deaths (16.6 per 100,000)
- 2021: 9,641 deaths (14.8 per 100,000)
- 2019 (pre-pandemic): 7,565 deaths (11.8 per 100,000)