Under new legislation, alcohol labels must include health warnings and calorie information.

Stephen Donnelly, the Minister of Health, has signed new laws that mandates all alcoholic beverages list their calorie and alcohol content.

Additionally, all labels will be required by the laws to include a warning about the dangers of drinking alcohol while expecting, as well as the dangers of liver illness and cancers.

According to Mr. Donnelly, the goal of the new law is to inform customers about alcohol content and health hazards related to alcohol consumption.

According to him, labels for food products already include health information, and alcohol is only being brought up to par.

He did, however, clarify that the new law would take effect in May 2026, giving businesses three years to get prepared.

Alcohol Action Ireland applauded the new rules, pointing out that 7% of female breast cancer cases in Ireland have been suggested to be related to alcohol usage.

Minister Donnelly stated: “I welcome that we are the first country in the world to take this step and introduce comprehensive health labelling of alcohol products. I look forward to other countries following our example.”

Professor Eamon Keenan, the National Clinical Lead for Addiction Services at the HSE, expressed support for the labelling plans on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland.

He claimed that doctors and other organisations have long pushed for the modification.

Professor Keenan stated: “innovative approach” will help educate people about the risks of alcohol and he believes other countries will follow suit.

“We’re going to be able to get information out to people about the risks and harms associated with alcohol, as well,” he said.

“So we would welcome this very much.”