Revised Australian alcohol guidelines for low-risk drinking
The HEIA recently made a submission to the National Health and
Medical Research Council (NHMRC) on their draft revised Australian
alcohol guidelines for low-risk drinking. These guidelines are
intended to give Australians clear advice on how to avoid, or
minimise, the harmful consequences of drinking alcohol; both the
immediate effects of each drinking occasion and the longer-term
effects of regular drinking.
When finalised, the guidelines will provide a valuable resource
for a wide range of groups and individuals including health professionals,
community groups, professional and educational organisations,
policy makers, the general public and businesses responsible for
providing alcohol.
The guidelines have changed significantly since the last edition
(NHMRC 2001). In particular, the number of guidelines has been
reduced and the text simplified to provide one overarching guideline
for all adults, and two guidelines with special precautions for
children and adolescents, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
In summation, the new guidelines recommend both men and women
consume no more than two standard drinks a day and pregnant and
breastfeeding women abstain from alcohol consumption. Not drinking
is the safest option for adolescents aged less than 15 years.
For adolescents aged 15-17 years, not drinking is also the safest
option; however any drinking should align with the recommendation
for adults and be under parental supervision.
The revised guidelines were accompanied with a comprehensive report
providing background information and describing the principles
used to derive them.
The HEIA stated they endorse the draft guidelines and offered
a list of reasons for this support. These include: •
An extensive range of research has been reviewed by a committee
of experts. • A variety of effects associated with alcohol
consumption was highlighted. This not only encompasses the direct
health effects on the individual, but the impact on their surrounding
environment, such as family members and social networks. •
The focus on short- and long-term health risks has been highlighted.
• Compared with the current guidelines, the draft guidelines
make clearer the recommendations on alcohol consumption.
Labelling of alcoholic beverages with a pregnancy health
advisory label
The HEIA made a submission to Food Standards Australia New Zealand
(FSANZ) in relation to an Application from The Alcohol Advisory
Council of New Zealand (ALAC). The Application seeks a variation
to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) to
require a health advisory label on alcoholic beverage containers
advising of the risks of consuming alcohol when planning to become
pregnant and during pregnancy. FSANZ sought input from stakeholders
in relation to the Application and the likely regulatory impact
at an early stage.
The HEIA responded to a variety of questions presented in the
Initial Assessment Report (IAR). One of these was whether we thought
a health advisory statement about the risk of consuming alcohol
when planning to become pregnant and during pregnancy on all alcoholic
beverage containers should be required. We gave an affirmative
response and stated: “Most women lack knowledge of preparing
their bodies for pregnancy and are unaware of the impact of alcohol
on foetal development. Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
are now very prevalent in the indigenous and low socio-economic
sub-populations in Australia. Due to lack of educational opportunities,
women are consequently placing their unborn children in danger
of developmental disabilities. Appropriate labelling may assist
in educating women about the risks of alcohol consumption when
planning to become pregnant and during pregnancy.”
The HEIA also stated that such labelling would align with the
draft revised Australian alcohol guidelines for low-risk drinking.
Population Health Congress: ‘A Global World –
Practical Action for Health and Well-Being’
Australia’s four population health professional organisations
have joined forces to strengthen the focus on population health
in the region. These organisations are:
- The Australian Faculty of Public Health Medicine;
- The Public Health Association of Australia Inc.;
- The Australian Health Promotion Association; and
- The Australasian Epidemiological Association
Major themes: Environment and health; social cohesion; social
capital and health; and food and health
Date: July 6-9 2008
Venue: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
For further details visit: http://www.populationhealthcongress.org.au/ 26th Dietitians Association of Australia National
Conference
Delegates will explore the theme ‘Improving nutrition: a
social responsibility’
Date: May 29-31 2008
Venue: Conrad Jupiters, Gold Coast
For further details visit: http://www.tourhosts.com.au/dietitians2008/default.asp
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