KEY POINTS:
Alcohol bottles could be slapped with new labels warning pregnant women to steer clear under a new proposal floated by the trans-Tasman food regulator.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is inviting comment on the concept of putting baby risk warning labels on beers, wines and spirits.
The application has been proposed by the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand (ALAC) but would also apply in Australia if ultimately approved.
Under the scheme "suppliers would be required to place a label on alcoholic beverage containers advising of the risks of consuming alcohol when planning to become pregnant and during pregnancy," the regulator said in a statement.
"ALAC's reasons include the view that health advisory labels would enhance national strategies for discouraging drinking while pregnant and that no level of alcohol consumption has been determined to be safe for the foetus."
The proposal come just weeks after the release of a new research showing one in every 100 Australian babies is born with some degree of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
This is irreversible brain damage which, in its most extreme form, affects a child's physical characteristics, a condition known as foetal alcohol syndrome.
Despite the known risks, studies of Australian women have revealed that one in three plan to drink through their next pregnancy.
National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines written in 2001 advise pregnant women to drink no more than two standard drinks a day and less than seven a week.
They also "may consider not drinking at all", as new draft guidelines currently under consideration advise that abstinence is the safest option.
FSANZ will accept public submissions on the proposal until February 6 before deciding whether to disregard it or allow it to be assessed further.
The regulator has also announced consideration of several other proposals including revised residue limits in food, the addition of calcium to some chewing gum, food from genetically modified cotton and corn and food safety programs for catering to the general public.
- AAP
