Plans to put cancer alerts on drink labels are ‘scrapped’

SENATOR Frances Black has she is ‘disgusted’ at Simon Harris and the Government for apparently backing out of the decision to put explicit cancer warnings on alcohol labels.

Provisions to provide large-sized cancer warnings on alcohol products will likely removed from the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill when it is brought to the Dáil this week.

Senator Black accused Mr Harris of bowing to pressure from lobbyists, and said the proposed amendment was an ‘insult to all of those out there who have suffered cancer’.

The Independent senator, who has battled with an alcohol addiction, told RTÉ Radio’s Seán O’Rourke Show: ‘There’s no doubt in my mind the people of Ireland need to know that alcohol causes cancer. It’s as simple as that.

‘I cannot believe he is giving into the industry. We know the industry have been lobbying tirelessly since the summer to try to get these warnings removed from the legislation.

‘I actually think it’s a disgrace for a Minister of Heath to do this.

‘He should be ashamed of himself, I’m absolutely disgusted.

‘If we could save one life, would it not be worth it.’

Liver specialist Professor Frank Murray told the show that there are 900 cancers directly attributable to alcohol in Ireland every year, and 500 of those people will die from that cancer.

He said that just one standard drink a day increases the risk of breast cancer by 10%.

But a spokesman for the Department of Health told the Irish Daily Mail last night: ‘The minister is absolutely clear on the need to highlight the link between alcohol and cancer through labelling. He is currently examining whether it is best to do this in primary legislation or in regulations.’

He added that Mr Harris is due to meet Opposition spokespersons to discuss the issue further and is eager to work with colleagues to find the best way forward.