Labels on alcoholic drinks will display four health claims and icons, instead of two at present. The new mandatory claims are: “Alcohol slows reaction time - do not drink alcohol if you drive” and “Alcohol can cause addiction”.

The other two health claims are: “Alcohol may harm your unborn child” and “Do not offer alcohol to minors”.

Alcohol consumption is a leading risk factor for the development of non-communicable diseases, traumas and injuries, being responsible for 5.1% of diseases and injuries globally, the National Agency for Public Health said in a press release.

 Moldova, according to the latest global report on alcohol and health (2019), remains among the countries with the highest average consumption of pure alcohol per adult (aged 15 + years), of 12.9 liters (20.6 liters for men, 5.9 litres for women), as compared to the average consumption of 9.8 liters in the European region.