Health warning on alcoholic beverages in the USA

English translation: explanation

13:22 Jun 10, 2004

English language (monolingual) [PRO]
Food & Drink

English term or phrase: Health warning on alcoholic beverages in the USA

I understand that alcoholic beverages sold in the USA must carry a government warning on their label. During my research I came across the following wording:

"GOVERNMENT WARNING:
(1) According to the Surgeon General, women
should not drink alcoholic beverages during
pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects.
(2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs
your ability to drive a car or operate machinery,
and may cause health problems."

Is such wording standard or are there variations to it? Are the differences between the states?

I am grateful for any enlightenment I may be offered.

eTeams KudoZ activity Questions: 6 (none open) Answers: 3 Ireland
Local time: 22:06

Selected answer:explanation

Explanation:
Since it's a federal law, and the law includes the wording, it is to be assumed that there are no variations, regional or otherwise. Quote from the code:

TITLE 27--INTOXICATING LIQUORS
CHAPTER 8--FEDERAL ALCOHOL ADMINISTRATION ACT

SUBCHAPTER II--ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LABELING

Sec. 215. Labeling requirement

(a) Statement required on container

On and after the expiration of the 12-month period following November 18, 1988, it shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture, import, or bottle for sale or distribution in the United States any alcoholic beverage unless the container of such beverage bears the following statement:

``GOVERNMENT WARNING: (1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems.''.

Selected response from:

NGK
United States
Local time: 16:06

Grading comment

Thanks - in particular for quoting the relevant source of law.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer

SUMMARY OF ALL EXPLANATIONS PROVIDED

4 +4

explanation

NGK

see note

Hans G. Liepert

Answers

28 mins confidence:

health warning on alcoholic beverages in the usa see note

Explanation:
The warning is prescribed by the federal government (Surgeon General) and based on the Alcoholic Beverage Labeling Act of 1988. The wording is prescribed - for good reasons.

Hans G. Liepert
Switzerland
Local time: 23:06
Native speaker of:

German

31 mins confidence:

peer agreement (net): +4

health warning on alcoholic beverages in the usa

explanation

NGK
United States
Local time: 16:06
Works in field
Native speaker of:

English,

German
PRO pts in category: 4

Grading comment

Thanks - in particular for quoting the relevant source of law.

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