Warning health labels on liquor products is still a matter of discussion by the liquor industry and the practicalities of introducing these labels was part of this consultation process, says South African Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang.
Replying to a question from New National Party member of Parliament Sarel Gous, who asked whether her department had undertaken an investigation into what the estimated cost of the reprinting and redesign of all labels on liquor bottles would amount to, she said no investigation had been undertaken of this kind.
However, the department was “engaging different partners including the liquor industry in exploring options available for reducing the harm resulting from alcohol consumption, one of which is the introduction of warning labels and health messages on the containers of alcohol beverages”.
Tshabalala-Msimang said the results of these discussions would influence the final regulations applying to the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act of 1972. She said these were at present in draft form.
“A study of determining the cost of the labels will be done if indications from these negotiations are that it is necessary and takes priority within available resources; but that can only be determined after discussions with all partners have been exhausted.” – I-Net Bridge