Health chiefs attacked over 'nanny state' alcohol guide

[dutchman]

Chief Medical Officer accused of “scaremongering” in advice about light and moderate consumption



Moderate drinking is no more dangerous than driving, health chiefs have admitted – as they came under fire over “nanny state” guidance which says one glass of wine raises the risk of cancer.

New advice from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) slashes recommended drinking limits for men in line with those for women, and says that there is no safe level of alcohol at all.

The official guidance says that if people do drink, the maximum amount they should consume is 14 units a week – a sharp reduction from the 21 unit previously set for men.

In recent years, there has been growing evidence linking alcohol consumption with cancer.

But this is the first time official guidance has suggested that even an occasional sherry or weekly pint could raise the risk of disease.

It comes despite admissions in the report that the risks of drinking in line with recommended limits are comparable to those from “regular or routine activities, such as driving”.

The new guidance says evidence that alcohol, such as red wine, is beneficial for health "is considered less strong than it was".

On Thursday night, officials were accused of “nanny state” tactics and “scaremongering” the public – and for detailing advice which some might consider common-sense, such as not to take to drink before going up ladders.

The guidance sets out scientific evidence about the links between alcohol and cancer, the risks of which sharply increase with heavy drinking.

But health officials were accused of going too far in their advice about light and moderate consumption.