Labelling agenda

I was recently taken aback by an article that proposed labels and warnings displaying the dangers and adverse effects of alcohol on the body. After all, warnings on cigarette packages have reduced the number of smokers in Canada to less than 15 per cent of the population, with most of the smokers between 25 and 35 years of age. Could this work for alcohol? An excess of alcohol over a period of years—or even one evening of binge drinking —can, and will, have an adverse medical effect on one’s body. The inability to think clearly is a minor issue compared to the effect of alcohol on the heart, liver and pancreas (not to mention the possibility of mouth, liver or throat cancer).

But, then again, we already consume way too much sugar in the form of processed foods, commercial juices and soft drinks. On any given day, we also consume an excess of sodium, again mostly from processed foods. (Even with freshly prepared meals, it seems commonplace for guests at East & Main to request additional salt.) Given that an excess of sugars and salts is recognized as being severely detrimental to one’s health, will our elected officials soon deem it worthy to place warning labels on processed foods with photos of the effects of sugars and salts on our bodies?

Getting back to the demon alcohol. Yes, it does have a nasty effect on the body, and anyone who cares about their health will know these facts. But why do the rams we elect to lead us turn into Judas goats pursuing their own labelling agenda? Governments on all levels benefit from the sin taxes placed on tobacco and alcohol (and soon will also gain from the legalization of marijuana in government controlled sales). If governments can take legal action against the tobacco industry to recover the costs of medical care, how long will it be before they sue the major alcohol players such as Pernod Richard or Budweiser for similar reasons? Will the Ontario Government disband the LCBO because drinking alcohol leads to health issues? I think not.

This labelling brouhaha seems to be a twenty-first century version of bread and circuses, meant divert us from seeing who really benefits from alcohol sales.

THIS WEEK’S PICK
Wandering the back roads of the County, I happened upon Dave Gillingham sitting on his tractor, and stopped to chat. He and Joni have created a small paradise at Domaine Darius (located on Wilson Road, adjacent to Sugarbush Winery) that captivates the spirit long before you taste their wine.

I was totally enamoured with Dave’s 2015 Rosé. A complete delight, it transported me to the south of France without the cost of airfare. I love the weight of this wine on the palate—as well as the personal touches like the hand-inscribed details on their labels.

Retailing in the region of $22, Domaine Darius Rosé is flying off the shelf. (As is his fortified dessert wine, but that’s another story.)