In this issue: Finns told less alcohol, better health; UK alcohol “catastrophe” highlighted’; US issues exceptionalist health report; Australian delivery proposals hailed; Saudi 2034 stadium drinking ban; Nigeria sachet ban enforcement
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News:
Finns told less alcohol, better health: New guidelines
say drinking alcohol is not recommended for anyone for health and that any amount should be “as small as possible”. For children, young people, and pregnant and lactating women alcohol is “not recommended at all”. Seperately, South Korea’s health ministry said it was thinking of adding a label to say something similar.
UK post-covid “catastrophe” highlighted: An alliance of 60 UK NGOs called for minimum alcohol pricing in England to help address a “catastrophic” 42% rise in alcohol deaths since the covid pandemic. The Labour government has so far done nothing to stem the tide of alcohol deaths, keeping alcohol taxes unchanged in real terms despite being elected on a manifesto saying it would focus on preventing health problems. Its Conservative predecessor actively stoked the surge in alcohol deaths with years of real terms alcohol tax cuts. Separately, figures showed alcohol deaths rose by almost two-thirds in the last decade across Northern Ireland where minimum pricing is on the agenda.
Exceptionalist US alcohol health report: A committee criticised for having financial ties to the alcohol industry and a lack of expertise said in a pre-publication report that moderate alcohol drinkers have a 16% lower all-cause mortality risk than non-drinkers. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine committee’s pronouncement contradicts global authorities on the subject of alcohol, like the WHO, which says alcohol harms health even at low doses because it is carcinogenic. The report is expected to inform decision on updated dietary guidance.
Australia delivery restriction proposals hailed: Alcohol harm reduction campaigners welcomed proposed alcohol laws in South Australian which prioritise the health and wellbeing of women and children. Among the moves would be restricting alcohol delivery times, with late night alcohol deliveries thought to worsen domestic violence. Separately alcohol harm NGO FARE Australia announced the departure of its CEO of five years Caterina Giorgi, who will continue until the end of February.
Saudi World Cup stadium drinking ban: Football fans will be banned from drinking alcohol in stadiums at the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, the Guardian reported. It has not been announced whether co-branded alcohol-free beer will be allowed as it was at the Qatar tournament after a stadium alcohol ban was seemingly decided last minute. This gave the brand enormous global live TV and editorial exposure to audiences, includng many children and young people.
Nigeria sachet ban enforcement begins: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control seized alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small plastic bottles the southern Delta State this month. The agency said it expected to make more raids. Reports of the outlawed products still being openly sold in Lagos suggest an uphill battle.
Message of the month:
Alcohol, less is more: Reducing alcohol intake reduces the risks it poses to our health from the smallest amount. Fewer people know this than should. ■