The different political groups of the new European Parliament have appointed the draftspersons and shadow rapporteurs for the proposed regulation on the provision of food information to consumers.

8 September 2009.The international guide to developing advertising self-regulatory organisations features practical advice on setting up and consolidating advertising self-regulatory systems and incorporates various international experiences in the creation of self-regulatory organisations.

(Source: EuroActiv) Efforts by Sweden to tackle alcohol abuse in Europe look set to come to the boil during the latter half of its six-month EU presidency. The drinks industry is gearing up for a counter-offensive against an expected push to increase prices and restrict alcohol advertising.

Full Article at EurActive.com

Follow the link to access the summary report and presentations from the 5th meeting of the DG SANCO Committee on National Alcohol Policy and Action, which took place from June 24 – 25 2009.

Campden and Chorleywood Food Research Association (CCFRA) has published in June last year (2008) a report regarding the self regulation in the UK- ‘Monitoring Implementation of Alcohol Labelling Regime’. CCFRA was commissioned by The Department of Health to conduct a large-scale independent survey to examine the extent to which the Government’s alcohol labelling agreement with the industry has been implemented.

7 July 2009.The European Court of Auditors has produced a Special Report “The European Union’s Public Health Programme (2003-2007): an effective way to improve health?” 1

Brussels, 3.7.2009. Mr Verheugen, Vice-President of the European Commission, responsible for enterprise and industry has answered a written question by Scottish Socialist MEP Ms. Catherine Stihler on minimum alcohol retails prices.

Brussels, 3 July 2009. Representatives of the European beer industry met with Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou in an attempt to make a case for voluntary commitments and self-regulation.

By the IAS (Institute of Alcohol Studies)

A new study of the global burden of disease attributable to alcohol has found that Europe has the highest level of alcohol attributable deaths and the highest burden of disability-adjusted life years lost (DALYs) in the world.