Foodlaw-Reading
Dr David Jukes, The University of Reading, UK
|
|
DHSC Consultation, 15 March 2018
The Department for Health and Social Care has issued a consultation document. Given below is the 'Overview'. The consultation closes on 10 May 2018.
 |
Low Alcohol Descriptors A consultation on the use of low alcohol descriptors. A copy of this document is available on this site (Click on image). |
Overview
The Food Labelling Regulations 1996 set out in law rules for how low alcohol drinks (those of 1.2% alcohol by volume, ABV, or less) may be described. These rules on the use of low alcohol descriptors aim to protect the public and inform consumers. The regulations are due to expire on 13 December 2018.
The Government is consulting on how best to continue to communicate information to the public about low alcohol drinks, so that adults can make informed choices when they purchase drinks, including alcohol. The sale of lower strength drinks, as an option for consumers helps encourage responsible drinking.
The Government also wants to use this consultation to hear views on whether we should introduce new descriptors for alcoholic drinks above 1.2% ABV to help consumers make an informed choice and to promote lower strength drinks.
The Government believes any future low alcohol descriptors could be introduced through guidance rather than legislation.
This consultation therefore provides an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposals to use guidance rather than legislation, views on the current low alcohol descriptors, and on whether to extend the range of descriptors to drinks above 1.2% ABV.
