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Calorie labelling 'not right for wine'

Published:  11 August, 2010

Pubs and restaurants could be forced to list the alcoholic content of the drinks they serve.

Pubs and restaurants could be forced to list the alcoholic content of the drinks they serve.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley is reportedly ready to force operators to include the information on menus unless a voluntary scheme can be agreed with the hospitality industry.

A trial project involving 20 restaurant chains has been a partial success. Pizza Hunt and Harvester have pulled out and others have shown reticence about their long-term involvement.

The Department of Health is keen to offer more advice to consumers about the calorific content of food and drink but any compulsory system could prove costly for operators with large and varied drinks offerings.

A WSTA spokesman said: "Of course it makes sense to make people aware that drinks contain calories too, but we're not convinced that calorie labelling on every product is the right route to take.

"Consumers should select a drink based on what they like and what goes with the food they are eating or the occasion. It shouldn't be a choice based on the calorie content of any particular drink."

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