Ireland: New alcohol health labelling regulations signed into law

The regulations will also require that all labels warn about the risk of consuming alcohol when pregnant as well as the risk of liver disease and fatal cancers.

Mr Donnelly said the new law is designed to give consumers a better understanding of the alcohol content and the health risks associated with consuming alcohol.

He said that food products already have health information on labels and alcohol is simply being brought into line.

However, he added that the new law will come into force in May 2026 to give businesses three years to prepare for the change.

Alcohol Action Ireland welcomed the new regulations pointing out that alcohol consumption is estimated to be the cause of 7% of female breast cancer cases in Ireland.

Minister Donnelly said: "I welcome that we are the first country in the world to take this step and introduce comprehensive health labelling of alcohol products. I look forward to other countries following our example."