The Commonwealth of Australia has agreed to support the introduction of mandatory warning labels on all primary alcohol packaging to highlight the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

The announcement was made at the Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation, which took place in Adelaide.

Aimed to increase public awareness, this initiative was led by Western Australia Minister for Health Roger Cook, who insisted on introducing new mandatory measures claiming that the existing voluntary measures were inconsistent, ineffective and putting lives at risk.

“We know alcohol is harmful to unborn babies so increasing awareness of the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and while breastfeeding is essential.”

Cook said: “I’m pleased the forum has agreed with the McGowan Government proposal to place pregnancy warning labels on packaged alcohol products.

“We know alcohol is harmful to unborn babies so increasing awareness of the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and while breastfeeding is essential.

“We now have a national commitment to this initiative, which is aimed at reducing the harmful effects and incidence of foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in our community. This is a small but important first step in reducing the condition that puts the lives of vulnerable children at risk.”

Food Safety Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) will develop the message and design for the mandatory warning labels.

Cook further added: “We know that a significant number of children in our juvenile detention facilities have one or more cognitive issues, including symptoms of FASD, so it is clear this is having a detrimental effect on our communities and it is time to take a stand.”