Withholding information from the public by regulation is just as harmful as providing misleading information. AVA commissioned the Lewin Group to undertake a study of healthcare costs among wine consumers in 1994 and 1998. This benefit results from the palpable improvement in overall health status that appears to be associated with moderate wine consumption, after adjustments are made for other factors that tend to be linked both to better health status and being a consumer of wine. Dr. Curt Ellison, a Professor at the Boston University School of Medicine who will be testifying later today, has pursued this theme more recently. We should try to make sure that the medical community, the public and our policy makers are kept up to date on the scientific findings.
Wineries encourage moderate consumption as the appropriate way to enjoy their beverages.
Yet they are still in question as we approach the fourth anniversary since their application. This is not surprising, as this issue has been a topic of discussion throughout the history of wine. The broad risks associated with alcohol consumption are primarily at abusive, heavy levels. The larger public would benefit from greater emphasis on educating the affected populations. On behalf of all the members of the American Vintners Association, I appreciate the opportunity to share these ideas with you.