Statement re: Wine Labeling Decision By The Department of the Treasury

National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence
Friday, 5 February 1999

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) regrets that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has approved a petition by members of the wine industry to allow a label with the strong potential to mislead consumers about the health consequences of drinking alcohol. For people who suffer from the disease of alcoholism and others who have difficulty moderating their drinking, this decision could potentially be disastrous.

Instead of requiring consumers to take action to obtain information, the health of American consumers would be better served if the labels briefly defined the federal government's standard definition of moderate drinking (no more than one drink a day for women and no more than two for men) and list the five groups of people who should not drink under any circumstances.

With little or no evidence that consumers will follow the label's recommendation to obtain the Federal Dietary Guidelines, many are bound to be misled. NCADD is concerned that the wine industry may "spin" this decision in such a way that the American public will interpret any health-related reference positively as a prescription for drinking.

The decision also establishes a dangerous precedent that will undoubtedly be pursued by producers of other alcoholic beverages. Imagine the mixed message binge drinking college students will be receiving if similar labels begin appearing on beer cans.

For nearly fourteen million Americans, alcohol is a drug that causes debilitating health effects. One out of every ten drinkers suffers from alcoholism, an illness that devastates families and ruins careers. Heavy drinking can contribute to cancer of the esophagus, mouth pharynx and larynx. It also can enlarge the heart, and cause cirrhosis of the liver. Even moderate doses carry health-related risks, including breast cancer and hypertension.

NCADD provides information, education, help and hope in the fight against the chronic, often fatal disease of alcoholism and other drug addictions. Founded in 1944, NCADD is a voluntary health organization with a nationwide network of affiliates. NCADD advocates prevention, intervention, research and treatment and is dedicated to ridding the disease of its stigma and its sufferers from their denial and shame.

For more information, or to contact National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, see their website at: www.ncadd.org