**
A compelling new report has called for European governments to implement steep tax increases on alcohol and unhealthy foods as part of a robust strategy to address the staggering 284,000 annual deaths attributed to liver disease across the continent. The recommendations come from a coalition of experts associated with the European Association for the Study of the Liver and the Lancet medical journal, who assert that urgent action is necessary to alleviate the growing and unsustainable burden of liver-related health issues.
Urgent Action Required
The experts highlight the need for tax policies that not only reflect the severe economic costs associated with liver disease but also support the healthcare systems overwhelmed by its effects. The report, released on Wednesday, outlines that the significant financial burden of liver diseases, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, necessitates immediate governmental intervention.
In Europe, liver cirrhosis accounts for approximately 215,000 deaths annually, while another 69,400 succumb to liver cancer. Collectively, these conditions result in about 780 fatalities each day, translating to roughly 3% of all deaths in Europe. The commission’s report underscores four primary contributors to these alarming statistics: excessive alcohol consumption, poor dietary choices, obesity, and viral hepatitis.
Learning from the Fight Against Smoking
The authors of the report draw parallels between the current liver disease epidemic and the successful anti-smoking campaigns of recent decades, advocating for similar strategies to combat alcohol and unhealthy food consumption. They urge the European Union and the World Health Organization to support national governments in implementing their recommendations, which include mandatory health warnings on alcoholic products and restrictions on online marketing targeting minors.
The report emphasises the importance of addressing what the WHO describes as the “commercial determinants of health.” This refers to the roles played by industries producing tobacco, alcohol, ultra-processed foods, and fossil fuels in perpetuating health crises. The experts argue that the consequences of these industries contribute to the premature deaths of approximately 2.7 million people each year in Europe.
The Cost of Inaction
The commission’s call for substantial increases in alcohol taxation aims to decrease consumption and mitigate the public health crisis. For instance, if taxes were to rise as suggested by the Institute of Alcohol Studies, the retail prices of alcoholic products could see dramatic increases. This might mean a 15-pack of beer could rise from £14.59 to £19.51, while the cost of an 18-pack of cider could escalate from £13.99 to £22.54.
Pamela Healy, chief executive of the British Liver Trust, expressed strong support for the proposed taxation, stating, “We urgently need policies that reflect the true harm caused by our unhealthy food and alcohol environment.” She stresses that this approach is not about imposing a “nanny state,” but rather about ensuring a fair playing field for public health.
In contrast, Matt Lambert, the chief executive of the Portman Group, cautioned against a blanket approach that penalises moderate drinkers. He suggested that promoting responsible consumption and targeted support for those at risk would be more effective than punitive measures aimed at the entire industry.
Why it Matters
The implications of these recommendations extend beyond just public health; they touch on economic stability, healthcare costs, and societal well-being. As liver disease continues to claim thousands of lives each year, the proposed measures could serve as a pivotal turning point in how Europe addresses these preventable health crises. The call for action is clear: it’s time for governments to take decisive steps toward fostering a healthier society, one that prioritises the well-being of its citizens over the interests of profit-driven industries.
