It is a known fact that when there is mention of France and of French there is always mention of that “wine”. It is almost as if they are inseparable and everything is just perfect with that. But a recent tiff in the wine world has been taken the world over with a pinch of salt.
The tiff rose over a report for the French Health Ministry stating that synonymous to warning labels over cigarette packets, wine should also carry them.This was based on a report that indicates 23,000 deaths in France each year are caused by alcohol consumption. This was the reason for campaigners demand such a warning. On the flip side wine manufacturers have taken it very seriously and a sharp reaction saying that equating smoking and drinking is ridiculous.
In the words of Roland Feredj, from the Bordeaux Wine Trade Council, “You are trying to create an atmosphere of fear. But a policy of fear and bans does not work."”, referring to the recommendation of warning labels. Two points raised by the report are better training of doctors in detecting excessive drinking and exhorting former alcoholics to create support networks to help others Alongside the report also calls for a strict application of the law banning sale of alcohol to under 16 year olds. The report recommending warning labels is the controversy riser. There is a large hue and cry over this latest report and a rift has been created between wine manufacturers and the government.
Another point in the favour of the wine manufacturer came the views of Marie-Christine Tarby, "It's ridiculous. This would reduce alcohol to the same as cigarettes, whereas the two are completely different. "If you drink alcohol in moderation, you face no risks to your health. There are even benefits."
The government on the other hand defends its stand citing the health of the general public at hand. Whatever the outcome of the issue it certainly has created lot of fizz.
