You must’ve seen countless health warnings on harmful products like tobacco and cigarettes. However, have you seen one on a liquor bottle? Well, you might see one soon! The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is reportedly in early stages of discussion with liquor companies over introducing stronger health warnings.
Stronger Health Warnings On Liquor Bottles
Recently, the Bombay High Court issued a notice to the Government of Maharashtra and FSSAI on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that seeks to introduce cancer warnings on liquor bottles.
The PIL was filed by Pune resident and activist Yash Chilwar. His PIL stated that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared alcohol as a Class 1 carcinogen but the fact hasn’t been effectively communicated to the masses yet.
Chilwar’s plea demands that alcohol bottles mention stronger health warnings, including its carcinogenic effects, to alert and educate consumers. The petitioner also asserted that when a consumer purchases a product, he/she has all rights to know about the contents and information of the product. The Bombay High Court issued the notice during the hearing of his plea.
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The petition that requested for stronger health warnings on liquor bottles referred to US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s report. It studies the overlooked linking of alcohol with the risk of many malignancies, including breast cancer and colon cancer.
While several other harmful products like cigarettes and tobacco carry adequate health warnings, alcohol bottles certainly don’t. Displaying the health effects of products, especially those which are potentially harmful or even fatal, should be mandatory.
This educates the consumer about the health effects alcohol might have on their health, especially if it is something as concerning as cancer. Besides educating, it will help the consumer make an informed choice.
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Summing Up
The decision to display stronger health warnings on liquor bottles will surely inform and educate many consumers about the dangerous health risks of alcohol. What do you think about this petition and the possible decision of the FSSAI?
FAQs
Is Alcohol A Class 1 Carcinogenic?
Yes, alcohol has been classified as a Class 1 carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Does Alcohol Affect The Kidneys?
Yes, alcohol can affect the kidneys if overly consumed. Alcohol can affect the functions of the kidneys and make them less able to filter out blood over time.
Who Should Not Drink Alcohol?
Ideally, no one should drink alcohol above a certain limit. However, pregnant people, people under the legal drinking age, and people with health disorders or people on medications should avoid alcohol at all costs.
