Pregnancy health advisory labels on alcoholic beverages
The Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand has asked Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to require a health advisory label on alcoholic beverage containers advising of the risks of consuming alcohol when planning to become pregnant and during pregnancy.
FSANZ released the Initial Assessment Report for ‘Labelling of Alcoholic Beverages with a Pregnancy Health Advisory Label’ on 12 December 2007 for a 8-week public consultation period finishing on 6 February 2008. This report is a discussion paper only and does not make any recommendations. It explains how the application will be progressed, provides some background information and asks for responses to questions and information requests.
Why has the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand made this application?
There is evidence that drinking alcohol during pregnancy can be associated with varying degrees of harm to the unborn child. Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the wide range of effects on the foetus from drinking alcohol when pregnant. The applicant believes that the introduction of health advisory labels on alcoholic beverage containers is an essential part of a much wider public health strategy aimed at increasing awareness of the risks of consuming alcohol during pregnancy.
What is the attitude of the Australian and New Zealand Governments to drinking while pregnant?
Currently the Australian Alcohol Guidelines (2001) state that women who are pregnant or might soon become pregnant may consider not drinking at all, but if they choose to drink should have less than seven standard drinks over a week and no more than two standard drinks on any one day.
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) began reviewing the Australian Alcohol Guidelines earlier this year. On 13 October 2007, the NHMRC issued revised draft guidelines, titled Australian alcohol guidelines for low-risk drinking, for public consultation (see www.nhmrc.gov.au ). The draft guideline for women who are pregnant, are planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding is: ‘Not drinking is the safest option’. FSANZ will consider the revised guidelines during the assessment of this Application.
The New Zealand Ministry of Health recommends that it is best not to drink alcohol during pregnancy.
Will any change to the Food Standards Code only apply to New Zealand?
No. Although the application is from New Zealand if the Food Standards Code is amended to require pregnancy health advisory labels on alcoholic beverage containers, this requirement would be mandatory in both Australia and New Zealand. It would be enforced by State and Territory agencies in Australia and by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority in New Zealand. Non compliance could attract penalties.
How will FSANZ determine what changes, if any, should be made to the Food Standards Code?
FSANZ will assess the impact of low maternal alcohol consumption on the developing foetus. In addition, we will evaluate information on the incidence of FASD, the drinking patterns of women of childbearing age and pregnant women in Australia and New Zealand, and their knowledge of the risks to the foetus associated with consuming alcohol during pregnancy. If the evidence indicates there is a need to better inform consumers of the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, we will consider the possibility of requiring a health advisory label on alcoholic beverage containers.
How long will it take for FSANZ to reach a decision?
We are required to complete an assessment of an application to change the Food Standards Code within 12 months after the release of the Initial Assessment Report.
Do other countries require pregnancy health statements on alcoholic drinks?
Yes. The US has had such a requirement in place since 1989. Other countries requiring health warning statements on labels about the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy include Colombia, South Korea, South Africa and France. Finland is in the process of finalising its labelling requirements.
Where can I find out more about alcohol consumption and pregnancy?
Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their medical practitioner or health adviser about the consumption of alcohol.
How can interested parties make an input to FSANZ’s assessment process?
Individuals and organisations can comment on the Initial Assessment Report for A576 – Labelling of Alcoholic Beverages with a Pregnancy Health Advisory Label. Visit the FSANZ website ( www.foodstandards.gov.au ) to view the report and follow the instructions for preparing submissions. Submitters are encouraged to respond to the questions raised in the report.
December 2007