Japan: Major breweries in Japan will add warning labels directed to women on beer saying that alcohol consumed while pregnant or breastfeeding can harm her child. The Mainichi Daily News reported on May 12 that the Brewers Association of Japan, an organization of the country's five major breweries, said it will begin adding the warning on beer labels beginning in June voluntarily, but eventually all alcohol will have the warning.

The warning reads, Consuming alcohol while pregnant or breastfeeding poses the risk of creating developmental problems in fetuses and babies. In countries such as the United States, Brazil and South Korea brewers are legally required to warn pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers about the dangers of drinking alcohol.

14 May, 2004