Push for more detailed alcohol labelling, after low uptake of voluntary system

Public health experts want the labels on alcoholic drinks in Australia to be more detailed. ( Getty Images: gilaxia )

An analysis of labels from 6,037 different alcoholic drinks sold in Australia has found just one in four included a voluntary warning label.

The study's lead author says this indicates harms are not being communicated clearly and wants labels to be more specific, warning consumers about the risk of cancer and liver disease.

The UK and Ireland have committed to introducing mandatory health warning messages on alcohol labels to include conditions such as cancer, but there are no plans to upgrade current mandatory labelling requirements in Australia beyond pregnancy warnings.

Link copied Share Share article Alcohol use is widespread in Australia, with about three in four people aged 14 and older consuming it over the course of a year.