Brussels, 29/04/2015 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament is insisting that a new EU strategy is adopted on alcohol and for there to be compulsory indication on the number of calories contained in alcoholic drinks.
In a resolution adopted by a show of hands on Wednesday 29 April during a plenary session, MEPs also highlighted the need for better protection of young people against the dangers of alcohol. Glenis Willmott (United Kingdom), the co-rapporteur, stated that the European Parliament had clearly said that it wanted the Commission to put a priority on tackling the negative effects of alcohol. She also said that they had sent out a strong message to the Commission that day and that she hoped that it would listen and would finally present a new strategy that would outline how this aim could be achieved.
In the resolution, the MEPs called on the European Commission to immediately begin work on the new EU strategy on alcohol (2016-2022) to help member states tackle the negative impact of alcohol. The strategy should also include the collection of reliable data, improved prevention and treatment, the reduction of accidents caused by drink-driving and the analysis of different modes of consumption.
MEPs are also calling on the Commission to assess whether it should be compulsory to provide consumers with information regarding the ingredients and nutritional value in alcoholic drinks, despite the fact that in 2011 alcoholic drinks were not included in the legislative text on food labelling. MEPs support clear indications of calorie content in alcoholic drinks and are suggesting that the Commission produce a proposal in this connection for 2016 at the latest. They are also calling for the Commission to consider European level labelling that advises pregnant women not to consume alcohol and warn consumers of the dangers of drink-driving. The Commission is also expected to examine the dangers of alcohol sales on the Internet. Member states are called on to provide more protection for young people from the dangers of alcohol by strictly reinforcing legislation on age limits for alcohol consumption and prevention campaigns. They are also expected to look at measures to tackle cheap alcohol sales.
In a press release, the European Consumers Bureau (BEUC) was delighted with the firm position taken by the European Parliament in favour of labelling alcoholic drinks. BEUC's Director-General, Monique Goyens, said that the European Parliament had shown that it was listening to consumers and added that if we really wanted to eradicate the increasing epidemic of obesity, mentioning calories in content is a real must. According to Goyens if consumers are aware of the high level of calories in sweet drinks, they are much less aware about them in alcoholic drinks. She concluded that the Commission now had to take into account the appeal made by Parliament. She said that there a paradox existed because alcohol had been exempt from compulsory labelling on ingredients and calories but this had not been applied to non-alcoholic drinks, which was unjustified. She said that the MEPs should be applauded for having urged the Commission to stick to its task.
The spirits EUROPE association, which represents the alcoholic drinks industry in Europe, was delighted that Parliament had emphasised the abusive consumption of alcohol and did not condemn responsible alcohol consumption. The association did not, however, make any illusion to the possible labelling of alcoholic drinks. The Brewers of Europe Association highlighted its recent decision to voluntarily list the ingredients contained in drinks that it produces and to provide nutritional information about them. (Isabelle Lamberty)