Drinks industry 'failing' on labelling
The drinks industry has failed to adhere to its voluntary agreement on alcohol labelling with just 15% of drinks giving consumers enough information on units and health harm, a new report says.
The Government is now to consult on whether it needs to bring in a mandatory requirement on labelling.
Under the voluntary agreement, forged by the Government in 2007, the industry agreed to putting five key pieces of information on labels — unit information, pregnancy advice, a message about responsible drinking, a logo and link for Drinkaware and the NHS recommended limits.
But the independent report said that only 15% of products contained all five elements — and only 19% would by 2010.
The Government's three options for consultation will be:
• Do nothing and continue with the current voluntary agreement
• Renew and strengthen the self regulatory agreement
• Introduce a mandatory requirement on labelling
"Despite responsible efforts from some brands such as Bulmers, Fosters, Kronenbourg and the major supermarkets, overall progress on labelling is very disappointing," said public health minister Gillian Merron.
"Whilst there should be no need to bring in legislation when the industry can clearly sort it out themselves, we will not hesitate to act decisively if industry does not deliver.
"I expect to see much more leadership from more of the major producers. We know that too many are drinking at harmful levels and producers should play their part in helping to stem this tide by ensuring we all have access to clear and consistent health information on labels."
Health secretary Andy Burnham added: "We have now received assurances to comply from most of the major manufacturers and retailers.
"I invite industry as a whole to deliver on these assurances, and look forward to finding a way to make this happen during the consultation."
The report praised the cider sector and supermarket own label products for making "substantial progress".
No need for legislation
However, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said that there was no need for making the scheme mandatory.
It argued the survey showed that "considerable" progress had been made because it showed:
• 91% of beer cans and bottles have unit information
• 75% have a responsibility message
• 82% have the Drinkaware logo
• 40% have the responsible drinking guidelines
• 31% have a pregnancy warning
The Government's concern is that only 15% have all five elements.
"The positive and continuing progress made, not only shows the merits of the voluntary approach, but demonstrates why Government should continue to back the voluntary approach as the best way of achieving their objective of better information for consumers," said chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association Brigid Simmonds.
Heineken UK introduced responsible drinking information on all its bottles and cans in 2003.
Head of external communications Nigel Pollard said: "The information today includes a responsible drinking message; the number of alcohol units contained within the pack; recommended daily guidelines for consumption; a foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) pictogram and details of the drinkaware website."
