FDA orders stores: ‘Hide’ alcoholic drinks

MANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued new guidelines on the display of alcoholic beverages in an attempt to make the products less accessible to young people.

In a memorandum circular, the FDA ordered all supermarkets and other similar establishments to display alcoholic beverages in designated areas with prominent signage.

“Regardless of type of packaging, all alcoholic beverages shall only be displayed in designated conspicuous area in all convenience stores, supermarkets, hypermarkets, groceries, and other food retailing stores with prominent signage ‘ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES,’” FDA said.

The FDA added that other beverages with alcohol, including flavored alcoholic drinks, shall be displayed in this same designated area. 

These alcoholic beverages, regardless of level or content, shall not be displayed together with other products such as juice drinks that are accessible to children.

Even sari-sari stores and smaller food retail stores are expected to comply with the new guidelines.

The agency said owners or operators of sari-sari stores, which may not have enough space to designate an area for alcoholic beverages, must ensure that such products are not sold to minors or those below 18 years old. 

Promotional and advertising materials of alcoholic beverages and beverages with alcohol content, the FDA said, shall clearly inform consumers that such beverages contain alcohol and therefore should not be sold to and consumed by minors.

They stressed that the package and label materials of all alcoholic beverages shall not be appealing to children.

The FDA says the new guidelines were issued in response to innovations in the packaging and marketing of alcoholic beverages.