Perth’s Telethon Kids Institute has praised the Food Safety Ministers of Australia and New Zealand for standing firm and putting children first by approving the recommended red, black and white mandatory warning label on alcohol products.
The Institute’s Professor Carol Bower, a public health researcher recognised globally for her work on the causes and impacts of birth defects, thanked the Ministers for their important decision.
“The right decision has been made today, one that puts Australian babies first and protects them from the lifelong effects of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder,” said Professor Bower.
“Research has shown that the red, black and white label is the most effective label in communicating the important message that alcohol can cause harm to unborn babies.”
Telethon Kids Patron Professor Fiona Stanley also welcomed the decision.
“We know that alcohol consumption in pregnancy causes FASD and it’s entirely preventable,” Professor Stanley said. “Unfortunately, some women aren’t aware of the severity of the risk of drinking alcohol during pregnancy and these new labels will help get that message across.”
Professors Bower and Stanley acknowledged the leadership of WA’s Health Minister Roger Cook who strongly supported the red, black and white label.