Ireland is leading the way in terms of highlighting the potential dangers of alcohol consumption. The Irish government has passed new legislation mandating health labels on drinks that will alert consumers to the perils of alcohol consumption, including the risks of cancer and liver disease, calorie and alcohol content, and the dangers of consumption during pregnancy. This transformational move marks a significant step in the campaign to promote the health and wellbeing of consumers.
A recent report conducted by rehab clinic Delamere has revealed the differences in attitude to recommended alcohol units worldwide. In Ireland, men are advised to consume no more than 21 units of alcohol per week; this is equivalent to seven large 250ml glasses of wine or seven pints of 5% strength lager, beer, or cider. Women should not consume over 14 units per week. Meanwhile, in the UK, the NHS website recommends consuming no more than 14 units spread across three days or more, irrespective of gender, due to the potential harm it can cause to the liver.
Belgium, by contrast, has one of the highest recommended alcohol consumption levels for women in Europe, with officials recommending that they can consume up to 17 units of alcohol per week, and men can consume up to 26, nearly double the UK’s maximum consumption. On the other hand, Dutch residents are advised to refrain from drinking altogether, and the Dutch health council recommends no more than one glass daily.
These differences exist worldwide and form the basis of varying alcohol consumption guidance. The report also highlights that Canada has adopted a zero-alcohol approach to guarantee that there are no ill effects from drinking.
The table below shows the diverse approaches taken by different countries around alcohol:
|Country |Recommendation (Units of Alcohol)|
|————————|——————————|
|England, Scotland & Wales|14 units a week |
|Ireland |21 units (men), 14 units (women) per week|
|Poland |5 units for men, 2.5 units for women per day|
|Hungary |4 units for men, 2 units for women per day |
|Portugal |3 units for men, 2 units for women per day |
|France |12 units per week, no more than 2 drinks per day|
|Greece |3-4 units for men, 2-3 units for women per day|
|Germany |3 units for men, 1.5 units for women per day |
|Austria |3 units for men, 2 units for women per day |
|Belgium |26 units for men, 17 units for women per week|
|Spain |2.5 units for men, 1 unit for women per day|
|Italy |2 units for men, 1 unit for women per day |
|Bulgaria |2 units for men, 1 unit for women per day |
|Denmark |14 units per week for men, 7 units for women|
|Netherlands |No more than one standard drink (10 g) per day|
The differences in alcohol consumption guidance worldwide demonstrate the diverse attitudes and perspectives regarding the dangers of drinking. While many countries have taken restrictive and conservative measures, the Irish government leads the fight against alcohol-related diseases by mandating comprehensive health labels on alcoholic drinks. This campaign strives to promote informed and responsible drinking and encourage consumers to make healthier choices.
