November 30, 2006

France Requires Health Warning on Labels

Through a formal decree published on Oct. 3, 2006, the French Minister of Health and General Welfare has mandated that a health warning for pregnant women (similar to that presently used in the US) be required on all wines sold in the Country.

So, what this boils down to is:

1) All imported wines must have one of the two health messages listed below (written or picture). This also applies to wines that are distributed for free as samples.
2) The message must be positioned on the label in the same field of vision as the alcohol statement, and
3) Must be easily visible and readable on the “contrasting bottom” of the label.
4) Those bottles that have already been imported can still be sold until that stock is either used up, or until one year from the date of the decree (Oct. 3, 2007). This would be the responsibility of the importer/retail stores.
5) Director General of Health is in charge of enforcing this decree.

HEALTH MESSAGE REQUIRED UNDER ARTICLE 1

“The consumption of alcoholic beverages during pregnancy, even in small quantities, can have serious effects on the health of the child. ”

Or