Ireland is set to become the first country in the world to require cancer warnings on alcohol labels.
People are Unaware of Risks
Starting in 2026, bottles of alcohol sold in Ireland will display clear messages about the link between alcohol consumption and cancer, similar to the warnings currently found on cigarette packages.
Experts at the World Health Organization (WHO) see this as a promising measure that could reduce alcohol consumption and inspire other European nations to follow suit, according to Ziare.
Irish labels will provide scientific evidence showing alcohol's connection to various cancers and liver diseases.
Despite research showing that many people are unaware of these risks, almost half of Europeans don’t know alcohol is linked to seven types of cancer, and only 15% realize that regular alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer.
Pave the Way for Broader Reforms
WHO experts, including Dasa Kokole, believe this legislation could significantly improve public health across Europe.
They point out that, as with cigarettes, alcohol companies have attempted to downplay the health risks to protect their interests. Studies from Canada also show that once consumers become aware of the dangers, they tend to support stricter alcohol policies.
While the Irish law faced strong opposition from the alcohol industry, advocates like the Irish Cancer Society highlight the significant public health costs associated with alcohol-related diseases, including an estimated €2.3 billion in healthcare and other social costs.
This law could pave the way for broader reforms, potentially affecting other major alcohol-producing nations like France and Italy.
