Report Urges Higher Taxes on Alcohol, Unhealthy Food Amidst 300,000 Annual Liver Deaths

A new report by a commission of experts and The Lancet highlights the severe impact of excessive alcohol consumption across Europe, advocating for tougher measures including significantly higher taxes on alcohol and unhealthy food.

Professor Frank Murray, Chair of the European Health Alliance on Alcohol and co-author, stated that liver disease is «absolutely enormous» across the continent. Annually, an estimated 300,000 people die from liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, equating to about 780 deaths daily. Alcohol is the primary cause, followed by ultra-processed foods.

The report recommends implementing «evidence-based policies» and excluding industry influence from public health discussions. Professor Murray criticized the injustice of the state bearing the economic burden while industries profit. He also noted Ireland's deferment of alcohol health warning labels until September 2028, originally due May 22, 2026, was due to «intense pressure» from the alcohol industry.

Dr. Sheila Gilheany, CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland, warned that the delay in mandatory labeling in Ireland will have consequences. During this delay, over 2,000 people in Ireland will be diagnosed with alcohol-related cancer, and more than 10,000 babies will be born with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), costing the Irish exchequer €2.4 billion annually. She emphasized that labels are crucial for reducing incidences of cancer, liver disease, and FASD.