Delaying alcohol warning labels prioritises profiteering over health, says Irish Medical Organisation
As Ireland continues to experience worsening rates of liver disease, alcohol-related cancers, and foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), the planned roll-out of alcohol health information labelling has been delayed until 2028 at the earliest.
The decision to delay the introduction of health warnings was approved this week by the Cabinet amid concerns the plan would undermine Irish trade competitiveness internationally.
The labels, which warn of the health-related risks of alcohol and its link with cancer, had been due to come into effect in May 2026.
President of the IMO, Dr Anne Dee, a consultant in public health, described the move as a 'serious threat to public health'.
'It will result in preventable incidences of cancer, increased incidences of liver disease, and harm to children because of a refusal to fully enact a bill signed into law seven years ago.'
Labelling provisions under the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 are a critical tool in reducing alcohol-related harm, she added.
An estimated 4.8% of babies born in Ireland suffer from FASD, which represents the third-highest incidence rate of the disorder in the world.
'This is about giving people the basic information that alcohol causes cancer, liver damage, and harm during pregnancy,' Dr Dee added.
'These are irrefutable facts. There is no excuse for keeping them off the label. The longer this Government delays, the more irreversible damage is done.'
Dr Dee also criticised what she described as "the influence of vested interests in opposing the measure".
'We welcome the fact that the Government recently reiterated its refusal to meet with representatives of the tobacco industry in keeping with Ireland's obligations under international frameworks that recognise health-harming industries. But why is the alcohol industry, which produces a substance that results in the deaths of up to 1,500 people in Ireland every year, treated differently?'
Lack of courage
She called on the Government to implement all measures in the Public Health (Alcohol) Act, adding: "This delay shows a lack of courage and clarity when it comes to confronting the alcohol industry's influence, and an inability to act on the commercial determinants of health.'
The Government decision to delay the introduction of alcohol health warnings comes against the backdrop of fears for Irish business from US trade tariffs proposed by Donald Trump.
Ibec organisation Drinks Ireland welcomed the move and said it provided 'much-needed relief' for drinks producers in Ireland.
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