Canada's alcohol industry is pushing back against a call for mandatory warning labels on booze containers as suggested in new guidance that also greatly limits the recommended amount Canadians should be drinking.
"Consuming more than two standard drinks per drinking occasion is associated with an increased risk of harms to self and others, including injuries and violence," the report says. Now, the focus is on a continuum of risk associated with weekly alcohol consumption. The CCSA says the risk of harm is low for those who have two standard drinks or less per week, moderate for those who consume between three and six standard drinks and increased for people who down every additional drink beyond that.
The CCSA, which announced its proposed guidance last August, said the industry was given an opportunity to participate in the public consultation process. Wine Growers of Canada is developing a QR code that could voluntarily be placed on alcohol containers to direct consumers to the site, which also warns alcohol use can be associated with increased long-term risk of serious illness and that harmful consumption can negatively affect relationships.
It’s just like tobacco companies saying warnings in cigarette packs unnecessary.