Bill C-251: An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (warning labels regarding the consumption of alcohol)

C-251 First Session, Thirty-ninth Parliament, 55 Elizabeth II, 2006 HOUSE OF COMMONS OF CANADA BILL C-251 An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (warning labels regarding the consumption of alcohol) first reading, May 3, 2006 Mr. Szabo 391088 SUMMARY The purpose of this enactment is to require alcoholic beverages to bear a warning regarding the effects of alcohol on the ability to operate vehicles and machinery and on the health of the consumer, and regarding the possibility of birth defects when consumed during pregnancy. Also available on the Parliament of Canada Web Site at the following address:http://www.parl.gc.ca .vis1 {position: absolute;display:block;} .vis2 {position: static;} 1st Session, 39th Parliament, 55 Elizabeth II, 2006 house of commons of canada BILL C-251 An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (warning labels regarding the consumption of alcohol) WHEREAS the Parliament of Canada recognizes that alcohol abuse is a serious health and social problem in Canadian society and that a comprehensive national strategy must be developed and implemented by the Government of Canada in concert with the governements of the provinces in order to combat this problem; AND WHEREAS the Parliament of Canada further recognizes that labelling alcoholic beverages with a warning to consumers about the dangers of the misuse of alcohol represents an important step in combating this problem; R.S., c. F-27 NOW, THEREFORE, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows: 1. The Food and Drugs Act is amended by adding the following after section 5: Warning label 5.1 No person shall sell a beverage containing more than half of one per cent alcohol by volume unless it bears a clearly printed and legible label, in the form and print size prescribed by the Governor in Council, that contains a message from the Minister of Health warning the consumer that alcoholic beverages impair the ability to operate vehicles and machinery, may affect the health of the consumer and may cause birth defects if consumed during pregnancy. Published under authority of the Speaker of the House of CommonsAvailable from:Publishing and Depository ServicesPublic Works and Government Services CanadaOttawa, Ontario K1A 0S5Telephone: (613) 941-5995 or 1-800-635-7943Fax: (613) 954-5779 or [email protected]://publications.gc.ca