Wine: EU takes a step forward against alarmist labelling and ‘neo-prohibitionism’

The return of the ‘no safe level’ has been thwarted (there is no minimum level of consumption that does not pose a health risk, ed.) and the proposal for ‘health warnings’ on wine labels (similar to those on cigarette packets, ed.), which are not currently provided for in the new Beca bill – Beating Cancer Plan currently under consideration in Brussels. And – above all – there is a reaffirmation that ‘harmful’ alcohol consumption exists, particularly when ‘compulsive’, and that this must be clearly distinguished from moderate consumption.

This is the thrust of the amendment approved by the European Parliament’s Health Committee, where, thanks to the united front formed by MEPs from the EPP, a possible resurgence of a ‘prohibitionist’ wave was thwarted.

The concept of ‘No safe level’ – a favourite of those who oppose alcohol outright, with no ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’ – which had been blocked four years ago in the context of the Beca dossier, was in danger of creeping back in through the back door in the new version of the text examined on 28 September in the European Parliament.

Instead, the unanimous vote rejected this approach and – above all – introduced another one that distinguishes between responsible, moderate drinking and ‘harmful’ drinking, which is typical of those who drink compulsively.

Furthermore, there is no mention in the adopted text of the health warnings on labels (using phrases such as ‘seriously harmful to health’) that some would like to introduce for wine, in the same way as has been the case for years on cigarette packets.