EU would negotiate further on alcohol warning labels; Finland gives up

Minister considers adjustment to price of alcohol more effective

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The European Commission seems more eager than Finland to negotiate on the alcohol warning labels that Finland has planned to introduce to all containers of alcoholic beverages.
      The European Health Commissioner Markus Kyprianou issued a ruling in December, according to which the general warning against the hazards of alcohol was to be eliminated from the label text.
      In his January follow-up letter, however, Kyprianou says that he would be willing to discuss the matter further.
      Finland’s Minister of Health and Social Services Paula Risikko (National Coalition Party) has nevertheless not warmed to the idea of further talks. She would rather stick to her decision to abandon the warning labels altogether.
     
"The effectiveness of the warning labels has not been proved. According to studies, such warnings have not caused people to drink less. Furthermore, the cost impact of the labels would go all wrong: the large producers would benefit while the small would suffer", Risikko justified her decision last week, when a group of social and health organisations urged her to continue with the negotiations.
      The minister made it understood that the continuation of talks would be pointless as the labelling effort is nonetheless doomed to fail.
      In Risikko’s view the warning labels were seen as necessary, when the alcohol consumption in Finland turned upwards after the lowering of tax on alcohol. The tax was raised again at the turn of the year and further hikes are to follow.
     
The tone of Kyprianou’s letter shows a willingness to compromise on the matter. Even though the general warning does not take into account the differences in level of consumption, a more precise health warning can be discussed if Finland so desires, Kyprianou writes.
      Also, the warning against hazards to foetal development can be discussed. Such a warning should be uniform in all of the EU states.
      According to a parliamentary decision from last year, starting next year all bottles and cans containing alcoholic beverages were to carry stickers with the following text: "WARNING: Alcohol is hazardous to the development of the foetus and to your health".


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Minister Risikko wants to abandon alcohol warning labels (17.1.2008)
  Parliamentary parties ready for alcohol tax hike (14.2.2007)
  Warning labels coming on containers of alcoholic beverages (7.2.2007)

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