Push for mandatory health warnings on all alcohol products

Australian Medical Association President, Dr Bill Glasson, said today the AMA is calling on the Australian Federal Government to legislate for health warnings on all alcohol products.

Dr Glasson said the Australian public, especially young people, should be fully informed about the harmful effects of alcohol misuse in the same way they are warned of the health risks associated with smoking.

"The most effective way to do this is to label alcoholic drinks with clear warnings and health information.

"Every bottle or can of alcoholic beverage would remind consumers about the harmful effects of alcohol just as smokers are reminded that smoking kills every time they buy a packet of cigarettes," Dr Glasson said.

The AMA supports the introduction of 'single message' health warnings on all alcohol containers. Messages should be rotated periodically from a comprehensive set of messages about alcohol-related health risks.

Some suggested warning are:

DRINKING ALCOHOL DURING PREGNANCY CAN DAMAGE YOUR BABY

DRINKING ALCOHOL AFFECTS YOUR ABILITY TO DRIVE A CAR OR OPERATE MACHINERY

DRINKING TOO MUCH ALCOHOL CAUSES CANCER, LIVER DISEASE AND STROKE

DRINKING TOO MUCH ALCOHOL CAN MAKE YOU VIOLENT.

"Alcohol health warnings on containers are a low cost, publicly supported way of raising awareness about harm caused by alcohol," Dr Glasson said.

"These labels will have a positive influence on where and how Australians drink.

"The AMA is one of many organisations calling on the Federal Government to follow the lead of New Zealand, the UK, France, Japan, the US and, most recently, Canada in introducing mandatory warnings on all alcohol beverages.

"We are clearly behind other developed countries on this issue.

"The AMA urges the alcohol industry to do the right thing and get behind the warning labels campaign," Dr Glasson said.

The AMA is calling on the alcohol industry, the Federal Government and the general public to do their bit to reduce the harm caused by alcohol.