REPORT on strengthening Europe in the fight against cancer – towards a comprehensive and coordinated strategy
The report also includes (Paragraph 15 and Paragraph 16) recommendations on action regarding alcohol and cancer link.
Recalls
that ethanol and acetaldehyde from the metabolism of ethanol in alcoholic beverages are classified as carcinogenic to humans by the IARC
Recalls
the study referred to by WHO41 which recognises that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption when it comes to cancer prevention, and stresses the need to take this into account when devising and implementing cancer prevention policy
Calls
for promotion of actions to reduce and prevent alcohol-related harm, better information to consumers by improving the labelling of alcohol beverages to include health warning labels
Calls
for prohibition of alcohol advertising at sport events when those events are mainly attended by minors and prohibition of alcohol sponsorship of sport etc.
The European Parliament will vote on the BECA report at the February plenary session, and there are clear indications that some EU member states will attempt to amend the role and wording of alcohol in the report to "restore proper balance." South-European economical interests have promised to "fight tooth and nail" against the measures suggested in the report. Arguments that will be used will include keywords like "moderation", "Mediterranean diet", "jobs", "export" etc.
Why is it important that the Parliament supports the proposed paragraphs on alcohol as a cancer risk factor?
It is required that different products not intended to be consumed by humans should warn against potential health hazards, but it has not been required that alcohol beverages intended for human consumption should warn against different negative consequences. This is because the industry has been heard for decades, and the result is that people are unaware, confused, and misinformed.