Health Canada to consult public on sale of high-alcohol mixed drinks
Ottawa, Mar 20 (IBNS): Health Canada has proposed to consult public to reduce the percentage of alcohol in the drinks or the format they are sold in, media reports said.
"I am deeply concerned about the increasing accessibility and appeal of high-sugar, high-alcohol drinks in individual doses and the increasing number of young people admitted to hospital after consuming these products," Federal Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor was reported to state.
She also said that Health Canada will meet with provincial governments to discuss advertising, marketing and labelling that would reduce the health risks associated with these drinks.
Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard said earlier this month that "it is Health Canada's responsibility to make a formal announcement to limit products that pose health risks."
Quebec reportedly announced last week giving authority only to provincial liquor stores, commonly known as the SAQ for sale of pre-mixed malt-based beverages containing more than seven percent alcohol; all other stores were banned to sell these drinks
The production of FCKD UP had been halted by the company that produced it, but reportedly similar beverages were still on the market.
American-made Four Loko -- sold in 568 ml cans, cost about $3.50 and the alcohol is 11.9 percent -- were removed last year and its manufacturer had reportedly announced that its products will not return to Quebec shelves "until further notice."
(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)
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