Health Warnings on Alcoholic Beverages to Be Strengthened

Alcoholic beverages will be required to carry expanded health warnings, the Ministry of Health and Welfare said on Thursday.

The ministry said it will be compulsory for manufacturers to include stronger labels on bottles to raise awareness of the health risks of excessive drinking. It will take effect from September.

The new labels target pregnant women and juveniles, warning them that drinking can heighten the risk of birth defects and cause liver-related diseases. They also include warnings of the increased risks of cancer and dementia.

Currently, such labels only warn that excessive drinking can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer.