The NCC Food Group's monthly update on current food-related policies and proposals Vol. A recent review by Dr. Michael Gough of scientific research on alcohol and health found that moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages appears to have significant health benefits for large portions of the population. The two non-profit groups had filed suit in 1996 against the ATF for its ban on truthful information on labels about the health benefits of moderate drinking. Currently, only warnings about the potential dangers of alcohol consumption are allowed on alcoholic beverage labels.
Alcohol consumption has both good and bad effects, of course.
The adverse effects of alcohol augmented diseases increase at higher consumption levels and include cirrhosis, alcoholism, and certain cancers. Gough points out that the NEJM research shows that for both men and women, the overall reduction in mortality from one to two drinks per day was about 20 percent. It also provides warnings for people who should avoid alcohol consumption.