WHEREAS Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder causes severe health problems, which ultimately have proven to have long-term effects that could be reduced or eliminated through public education; AND WHEREAS primary control for legislation, liquor control and licensing rests with the provincial government: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that manufacturers of alcoholic beverages be required to imprint warning labels on all beverage containers that consumption of their product by pregnant women could be harmful to the health of the fetus.
Ministry of Health The Government of British Columbia recognizes that the use of alcohol during pregnancy may result in lifelong disabilities for children. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder FASD is the term used for a number of conditions including Fetal Alcohol Syndrome that may occur when a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy. Government will continue to strive to reduce the health, economic and social costs of FASD through prevention and treatment programs for women, including pregnant women. Because of the national scope of the beverage alcohol industry, the federal government is most appropriately positioned to implement warning labels on alcohol bottles. Bill C-206 has been proposed in the House of Commons as an amendment to the Food and Drugs Act on warning labels regarding the consumption of alcohol. In April 2005, the Standing Committee on Health recommended that Bill C-206 not proceed any further. This recommendation was made after the examination of evidence on the effect of labeling and after consultation with practice, research, and policy experts. As British Columbia moves toward development of a comprehensive health promotion and health care system for FASD-related issues, all interventions, including alcohol labeling and signage in liquor outlets and other locations, will continue to be studied for effectiveness.