booze warning labels on the way
7 September 2007

The health department has published regulations requiring container labels for alcoholic beverages to carry messages "highlighting the negative effects of alcohol consumption".   

The regulations published under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectant Act are the outcome of lengthy consultations with the parties concerned to address the challenge of alcohol abuse.  "Alcohol consumption is a major factor in ases of violence and trauma and contributes significantly to non-natural causes of death in the country," it said.     

The "health messages" destined for labels on bottles and the like, include:    Alcohol reduces driving ability, don't drink and drive;    Don't drink and walk on the road, you may be killed;    Alcohol increases your risk to personal injuries;    Alcohol is a major cause of violence and crime;    Alcohol abuse is dangerous to your health;    Drinking during pregnancy can be harmful to your unborn baby.   

The regulations require the messages to be visible and on a space specifically devoted to it, which should be at least one eighth of the total size of the container label.    

The message could be in any of the 11 official South African languages, but have to be in the same language as that of the container label.     The regulations also ban the use of words, such as "health" and "healthy", and any other words or symbols claiming the alcoholic beverage has health properties.    

Penalties for contraventions include a fine or imprisonment for up to five years. 

Sapa, www.fin24.co.za