Wine: Commission does not rule out cancer risk warning on labels

Brussels – Wine is harmful to health, a possible cause of cancer, and therefore to be avoided or consumed with moderation: warnings that could appear on bottles of one of the symbolic ‘made in Italy’ products as part of the Commission’s work on labeling alcoholic beverages. There is no certainty, but at the same time, it is not ruled out.

The EU executive’s activism and activities are causing a stir among MEPs of the League, who, in a parliamentary question, are demanding answers about the proposals the von der Leyen team is considering, following up on a battle that started in the previous legislature. The internal document related to the European Beating Cancer Plan circulated on Feb. 4, they complain, includes several proposals for reducing alcohol consumption, “and therefore wine,” including increased taxation of alcoholic beverages and introducing health warnings on labels.

Health Commissioner Olivér Varhelyi does not deny this. Concerning wine labels and labeling, the review of the cancer plan includes proposals on health warnings and adds that “robust evidence would be necessary for any such measure,” the commissioner said. As such, “The Commission is presently concentrating its efforts on evidence gathering to support any future policy steps in this regard.” 

So, nothing has been decided, one way or the other. The EU executive could ask wine producers, including Italian ones who own so many quality labels, to warn about the product risks, particularly regarding cancer. It may also choose not to do so. It will all depend on the results produced and collected.