| The Polish government is planning to impose health warnings for pregnant women, minors and drivers on the labels of all alcoholic drinks sold within. According to the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) the proposed law will give their health ministry the authority to define the content, location and size of the text, reports the Drinks Business.
The suggested changes are still in the draft form and there is no timetable set for implementation. However, when the proposals become legislation, drinks companies will have 12 months to adjust to the regulations.
The WSTA hopes to be able to persuade the UK government and other EU member states to object to the proposals on the grounds that they will introduce significant barriers to trade.
The news comes shortly after the UK government put forward a standard format for the labeling of alcoholic drinks sold in the British market. This suggests the inclusion of four legible messages: a sensible drinking message, the alcohol content in units, warning for pregnant women and the address for the responsible drinking website, www.drinkaware.co.uk .
The step also follows France where all alcoholic drinks must include a logo warning women of the dangers of drinking when pregnant, by Oct 2007. Scandinavian countries are considering labeling legislation in relation to a number of issues. Also, drinks giant Pernod Ricard is putting warnings for pregnant women on all its drinks brands sold in the EU.
Details at http://www.thedrinksbusiness.co.uk
DelWine encourages drinking wine regularly but moderately and strongly endorses restrained drinking-though it is a moot point whether these new laws will be deterrents resulting in less drinking - editor |
