'Mandatory labeling of alcoholic beverages more effective than self-regulation'

Mandatory labeling for alcoholic beverages is a possible solution to raise awareness. In the National Prevention Agreement, problematic alcohol use is therefore one of the pillars. The Trimbos Institute has conducted research into the possibility of this mandatory labeling. In this article the latest state of affairs.

About a year ago, a motion was passed by the Cabinet to investigate the possibility of mandatory labeling for alcoholic beverages and the inclusion of a warning about the risks of alcohol. The Trimbos Institute, commissioned by the government, has therefore investigated the possibility of mandatory labeling for alcoholic beverages in the Netherlands with an alcohol content of more than 1.2%. This concerns, on the one hand, the listing of ingredients and nutritional values and, on the other hand, warnings about the risks of alcohol for health and during pregnancy. The possibility of mandatory labeling is in line with the pillars of the National Prevention Agreement (NPA), which states that 80% of Dutch people aged 12 and older should know the important health effects of alcohol consumption by 2040.

Information increases awareness

The research shows that health information and warnings on alcoholic beverage labels increase consumer awareness. In addition, it lowers intention to drink alcohol and actual alcohol consumption. This information should be prominently displayed so that it is noticed by consumers. The study also examined the labeling of alcoholic beverages in other countries. In Europe, only Ireland has implemented mandatory labeling for both product information and warnings. Worldwide, 9 countries have introduced alcoholic beverage labeling legislation.

Self-regulation

There is currently no mandatory labeling for alcoholic beverages in the Netherlands. However, a number of agreements have been made through self-regulation. This stems from a 2018 self-regulation proposal by the European alcohol sector. In it, beer producers and producers of spirits in particular have made commitments on labeling. Through self-regulation, it is mainly about the disclosure of ingredients and nutritional values on labels of alcoholic beverages. Agreements on warnings of the risks of alcohol are fewer. The warning about alcohol consumption during pregnancy is often mentioned on the label with a logo. The Trimbos Institute study shows that mandatory labeling is more effective than self-regulation.

Introduction of mandatory labeling

The European Commission has proposed mandatory ingredient and nutrition labeling for alcoholic beverages by the end of 2022. The listing of health warnings would then follow by the end of 2023. However, any possible introduction in the Netherlands must take into account international research, the policies of other countries that have already legally introduced the obligation, and EU and WHO guidelines regarding the content and design of labels. In the Netherlands, it has been decided to leave the decision on mandatory labeling of ingredients, nutritional values and health warnings to the next cabinet.