Suboptimal industry adherence to the design specifications of the mandatory pregnancy warning label

IF 2.6 3区医学 Q2 PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health Pub Date : 2025-04-11 DOI:10.1016/j.anzjph.2025.100236

Asad Yusoff , Bella Sträuli , Alexandra Jones , Paula O’Brien , Jacquie Bowden , Michelle Jongenelis , Aimee Brownbill , Tim Stockwell , Simone Pettigrew

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objective

To assess whether products sold in the Australian alcohol market are displaying the mandatory pregnancy warning label as per the design requirements.

Methods

Between June and November 2023, data collectors photographed 5,964 unique alcoholic products from three Sydney alcohol retailers. A random sample of 20% of the 3,760 products displaying the mandatory pregnancy warning label was analysed to assess whether they met the design requirements outlined in the Food Standards Code.

Results

Across the sample, 11% of products displaying the mandatory pregnancy label did not do so correctly. Adherence was lowest for spirits (73%), then wine (90%), beer (94%) and premix (97%). In terms of package type, adherence was lowest for individual beverages in containers >800 ml in volume (74%).

Conclusions

The findings indicate that the application of the mandatory pregnancy warning label may be suboptimal in the Australian alcohol market. The lower adherence among spirits and wine products is concerning given their higher alcohol content.

Implications for Public Health

For the effectiveness of the mandatory pregnancy warning label to be optimised, it must be displayed as per specifications. There is a need for ongoing compliance monitoring to improve adherence.

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来源期刊

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 医学-公共卫生、环境卫生与职业卫生

CiteScore

4.20

自引率

5.70%

发文量

121

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health (ANZJPH) is concerned with public health issues. The research reported includes formal epidemiological inquiries into the correlates and causes of diseases and health-related behaviour, analyses of public policy affecting health and disease, and detailed studies of the cultures and social structures within which health and illness exist. The Journal is multidisciplinary and aims to publish methodologically sound research from any of the academic disciplines that constitute public health.