Home > Health warning labels on alcoholic beverages in the WHO European Region in 2024.

Alcohol, Illicit Drugs & Prison Health, Special Initiative on NCDs and Innovation. (2024) Health warning labels on alcoholic beverages in the WHO European Region in 2024. Copenhagen: World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe.

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Labelling of alcohol encompasses brand name, type, alcohol content, ingredients, nutritional information, serving recommendations, and health warnings. An overarching concern with current alcohol labelling practices, globally and in Europe, is the lack of standardization and comprehensive provisions, unlike medicine, food, and non-alcoholic beverages. The impact of health warnings depends on practical details such as size, format, and color, as well as the specific messages conveyed. Messages targeting the general population and addressing broader topics like the risk of cancers due to alcohol may have a different impact than those targeting specific groups, such as underage drinking or alcohol use during pregnancy.

  • Product labelling enables consumers to make informed decisions about the products they purchase and consume. Health warnings about potential health risks of the product are an important part of labelling. 
  • Alcohol health warning labels are messages placed on alcoholic beverage containers or packaging to inform about the potential health risks of alcohol consumption.
  • Despite the various health risks associated with alcohol consumption, many people remain unaware of them.
  • Health warnings on alcohol labels can inform consumers and the general population (including those who do not consume alcohol) about potential risks, increase awareness of alcohol-related harms, and reduce the appeal of alcoholic beverages.
Item Type
FactSheet
Publication Type
Irish-related, International, Guideline, Report
Drug Type
Alcohol
Intervention Type
Prevention, Harm reduction
Source
Date
May 2024
Publisher
World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe
Corporate Creators
Alcohol, Illicit Drugs & Prison Health, Special Initiative on NCDs and Innovation
Place of Publication
Copenhagen
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