Peer calls for labels to help child health

A Labour Peer has called for all cans and bottles of alcohol to carry health warnings aimed at pregnant women.

At the end of January, Lord Mitchell tabled a private members' bill that would see all beer, wine and spirit bottles carry the message: "Government Warning: drinking alcoholic beverages during pregnancy, even in small quantities, can have serious consequences for the health of the baby".

He said: "The Americans have been doing this for some time now and the French have adopted it. Other countries are looking at labelling very seriously - I think we really ought to be at the forefront of this [initiative]."

However, British Beer and Pub Association director of communications Mark Hastings said although it

was essential to get the message across that pregnant women should not drink, it was important to consider how best to achieve this.

"There must be clear warnings to pregnant women on the dangers of drinking alcohol, but is the best way to achieve that by putting a label on a bottle of wine," he asked.

The industry has been in discussions with the Government over health warnings for a number of months.

"Already, 90% of all bottles and cans carry clear unit information, a responsible drinking message and a link to the drinkaware website," said Hastings.

"The talks are about how

to further standardise the information given to consumers."

Hastings added there was "still some distance to go" before standard labels were introduced.

"We are waiting for the Government to come back with what it thinks should be on the message."