Regulation & safety

Beer accounts for the largest share of alcohol-free drinks sold in the UK. Pic: getty/humankg

England looks to change ‘alcohol-free’ definition

By Rachel Arthur

England currently considers an ‘alcohol-free’ drink as one containing less than 0.05% ABV – differing from a number of other countries that use 0.5% ABV as the definition. A public consultation is now seeking views on whether to raise the threshold for...

Single Malt Welsh Whisky has recieved protected geographical status under UKGI. Image: Getty Images, lucentius

News

Welsh whisky receives global protected status

By Gwen Ridler

Single Malt Welsh Whisky has secured protected geographical indication (PGI) status, the first spirit to receive protection under the scheme since its launch.

A vineyard in Maidstone, Kent. Pic: getty/asmithers

UK government sets out to revamp wine regulations

By Rachel Arthur

The UK government will ‘scrap retained EU red tape on wine to unlock £180m’ via proposed changes to regulations for the production and marketing of wine in the country.

Pic:getty/helenddavies

Oakland soda tax reduces sugary drink purchases

By Rachel Arthur

Residents in Oakland, California have bought fewer sugary beverages since a local soda tax went into effect, says a study from UC San Francisco. The study also found savings in health care costs and compared them to other public health policies.

Scotland has delayed their Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) until 2024. Source: Terri Lee-Shield Photography/Getty Images

Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) delayed until 2024

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) has been delayed. The scheme, which had been due to start in August, will not now begin until 1 March 2024. The delay is proving controversial, with many campaign groups speaking out against it. However, some drinks...

One million livelihoods depend on South African cane sugar, says the industry. Pic:getty/lcswart

What next for South Africa’s sugar tax?

By Rachel Arthur

It sounds like it’s going to be a familiar story: health campaigners want a sugar tax, the beverage industry doesn’t. But in South Africa there’s an additional dynamic: a massive sugar-growing industry that’s already facing huge challenges. Acknowledging...

GettyImages/Dimitriosfos

Could USDA limit the provision of flavored milk in US schools?

By Teodora Lyubomirova

In a bid to provide healthier meals and reduce the amount of sugar and salt consumed by school kids, the USDA has proposed several updates to the school nutrition standards, with flavored milk potentially excluded from some kids' menus.

Even 'just the one' drink involves risk, says the new Canadian guidance. Pic: getty/happy photon

New Canadian drinking guidelines call for stricter alcohol policies

By Rachel Arthur

A Canadian report on health and alcohol suggests health warnings, minimum unit pricing and stringent advertising restrictions for alcohol should be implemented in the country: as it delivers its message that ‘no amount or kind of alcohol is good for your...