New alcohol labelling system announced

Public health minister Caroline Flint announced yesterday that all alcoholic drink labels should contain information on alcohol content by unit and government recommended drinking limits by the end of 2008.

Yesterday’s pledge follows an agreement with the drinks industry on promoting sensible drinking through better information.

The Department of Health said almost 70% of people were aware of government recommended drinking limits – two to three units daily for women and three to four for men – but only 13% kept a check on how many units they drank.

The labelling initiative will be complemented by a cross-government public awareness campaign on alcohol units next year.

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