No amendments to the BECA report’s recommendations on alcohol and cancer risk

Today a joint letter written by Eurocare, and signed by other 15 organisations, was addressed to all Members of the European Parliament. The scope of this initiative was to safeguard the BECA report (whose 145 amendments were fully approved in December 2021) without further changes during the plenary vote next week.

Eurocare, together with the other 15 signatories, is calling for the amendments of the BECA report related to alcohol (Para 15, 16 and 44) not to be weakened with the final vote.

It is of utter importance that the text maintains its strong and accurate language regarding alcohol as a major preventable risk factor for cancer and other chronic diseases. The joint letter clearly states that there is "there is no safe level of alcohol consumption". This message is supported by a strong body of scientific evidence.

Another point stated was that labelling of alcoholic beverages should include clear and visible health warnings, alongside a full nutrition declaration and a list of ingredients on the bottle. Consumers have the right to accurate health information.

Download the full document here

Co-signatories:
Florence Berteletti, Secretary General, European Alcohol Policy Alliance (Eurocare)
Dr Sheila Gilheany, CEO, Alcohol Action Ireland
Nijole Gostautaite Midttun, Lithuanian Tobacco and Alcohol Control Coalition (NTAKK)
Prof. Frank Murray, Policy and Public Health Committee member, EASL
Emil Juslin, European Policy Officer, IOGT-NTO Sweden
Dr. Wendy Yared, Director, Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL)
Mihaela Lovše, President, Slovenian Coalition for Public Health, Environment and Tobacco Control
Prof. Andreas Charalambous, President, European Cancer Organization
Dr Milka Sokolović, Director General, European Public Health Alliance (EPHA)
Marko Korenjak, President, European Liver Patient Association (ELPA)
Johan de Munter, President, European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS)
Hilkka Karkkainen, President, GAMIAN Europe
Prof. Em. Raymond Vanholder, Acting Chairman, European Chronic Disease Alliance (ECDA)
Prof. Patrizia Burra, Chair of Public Affairs Committee, United European Gastroenterology (UEG)
Dr Christiaan Keijzer, President, Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME)
Professor Colin Drummond, President, European Federation of Addiction Societies (EUFAS)