European Consumer Rights Group Welcomes Alcohol Labelling Vote

05 May 2015 --- European consumer rights group BEUC has welcomed the announcement that the European Parliament is to consider the nutrition and ingredient labelling of alcoholic drinks.

Monique Goyens, BEUC’s Director General, commented: “The European Parliament have shown they are listening to consumers. If we are to truly tackle Europe’s rising obesity epidemic, calorie content labelling on alcoholic drinks is a sheer must.

“When people think of calorific drinks, softs drinks spring to mind. But a single large glass of wine contains as many calories as a chocolate bar. So providing alcohol information will inevitably enhance consumers’ knowledge of what’s in their glass.

“The Commission should now heed the Parliament’s call and swiftly present  its long awaited report. The paradox of alcohol being exempted from calorie and ingredient labelling that is mandatory for soft drinks, is unjustifiable. MEPs should be applauded for urging the Commission to rise to the task.”