U.S. Surgeon, General Vivek Murthy has called for alcoholic drinks to carry cancer warnings on their labels, urging consumers to be more aware of the risks associated with alcohol consumption.
His advisory, released on Friday, highlighted that alcohol increases the risk of at least seven types of cancer, including breast, colon, and liver cancer.
“Alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, after tobacco and obesity,” Murthy said in a statement.
He pointed out that many consumers are unaware of the link between alcohol and cancer, which he believes necessitates a clearer warning on alcohol packaging.
The current U.S. dietary guidelines recommend up to two drinks per day for men and one for women, but Murthy called for these limits to be reassessed in light of the cancer risk.
Murthy’s proposal has sent shockwaves through the alcohol industry, with shares in major producers like Diageo, Pernod Ricard, and Anheuser-Busch InBev dropping in response.
Despite the concerns raised by the industry, no official comments were immediately issued by alcohol companies or trade groups.
The Surgeon General’s recommendation echoes historical moves to combat tobacco use, which began with the landmark 1964 report linking smoking to cancer.
This shift toward more stringent regulation of alcohol would mark a significant change in U.S. public health policy, especially considering alcohol’s prominence in American culture.
Currently, alcohol labels carry warnings about pregnancy-related risks and impaired judgment when operating machinery, but these warnings are small and inconspicuous.
Murthy’s proposal would update these labels to reflect cancer risks more prominently, potentially paving the way for further regulation.
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