California Alcohol Beverage Warning Labels: Proposition 65 Explained

Proposition 65 was approved in 1986 and became known as the "Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act." The Act is administered through California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Under the Act, Alcoholic beverages require health warning labels.

Function

• Substances on the California list of harmful substances consist of chemicals that have been established to cause birth defects or cancer. The substances are first reviewed by independent scientific agencies and health professionals that are appointed by California's Governor or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Significance

• The warning labels are required to be placed on alcoholic beverages to provide pregnant women information about the known dangers of consuming alcoholic beverages during pregnancy.

  Although Proposition 65 alcoholic beverage warnings are the most widely visible, the Proposition also mandates that California businesses, such as places serving alcoholic beverages, post warnings.

Identification

• Codified in Title 22, Division 2, California Code of Regulation, the label must be affixed to alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, liquor and malt beverages.

  The label must contain the word "WARNING," followed by the California warning verbiage.

Disclaimer

• Since laws may frequently change, you should not use this information as a substitute for legal advice. Seek an attorney's advice licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.