At the end of July, The Portman Group, the responsibility body and regulator for UK drinks producers issued a statement encouraging all alcohol producers to include the Chief Medical Officers’ (CMOs) low risk drinking guidance on their labels. The latest UK CMO guidance suggests that it is safest not to drink more than 14 units per week on a regular basis.
Industry guidance requires all producers to carry the following information on their labels: i) number of units contained; ii) signposting to Drinkaware; and iii) the avoid drinking in pregnancy logo. It is optional as to whether they also choose to incorporate CMO weekly guidance. The Portman Group is encouraging producers to consider displaying this additional information.
The group now says all its members have agreed to carry the 14-unit guidance ‘as soon as they feasibly can’ – and it has urged the rest of the industry to follow suit.
John Timothy, Chief Executive, The Portman Group, commented: “The Portman Group is encouraging all alcohol producers to include CMO guidance on labels. We are committed to helping consumers make informed choices about their drinking and this is an important step in the process. While labels are only one means through which to communicate information, as a responsible sector we believe it is important to do everything we can to promote moderation and minimise the risk of harm.
He added: “While labels are only one means through which to communicate information, as a responsible sector we believe it is important to do everything we can to promote moderation and minimise the risk of harm.’”
Chief Medical Officer, Dame Sally Davies, welcomed the move, saying: ‘People often do not know the damage that regularly consuming more than 14 units a week can do to their health.’