Belgium opposes classification of certain wines as 'low alcohol'
Due to a change in European regulations, wines containing up to six per cent alcohol could soon be labelled as "low alcohol". Belgium strongly opposes this change, denouncing it as misleading.
"The European measure is set to encourage alcohol consumption by misleading citizens," the country's department of Public Health stated in a press release on Wednesday.
The new measure, introduced as part of the ongoing revision of European wine regulations, was approved by all EU countries except Belgium. Under the measure, wines with an alcohol content of up to six per cent — comparable to standard beers — will be labelled "low alcohol".
Exception to the rule
However, according to the health department, this label is misleading. Until now, the term "low" has only been used for products with a health benefit, such as low-sugar ice cream or low-salt soy sauce.
“It creates a false sense of security and contributes to the normalisation of alcohol consumption"
"There is no level of alcohol consumption that is safe for our health," said the department. "The more you drink, the greater the damage." The department therefore finds it strange that wine is an exception to the rules that apply to all other foods and beverages.
“It creates a false sense of security and contributes to the normalisation of alcohol consumption, especially among groups susceptible to commercial influence,” the department said.
'Reduced content'
For Belgium, “reduced alcohol content” is the only fair and consistent label. Since 2006, this label has been used throughout the European food sector for products in which the content of a particular substance has been reduced.
The matter is now under further examination by the European Parliament.
© AFP PHOTO FRANCOIS GUILLOT
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