No ordinary product: the problematic reality of alcohol-themed sweets and snacks

Abstract

Alcohol is a significant Commercial Determinant of Health (CDoH) that has profoundly negative impacts on public health in Ireland and throughout the world. An issue of concern is the presence of alcohol-related products in developing, maintaining, and propagating alcogenic/ intoxigenic environments. This issue is particularly problematic when it potentially relates to children and adolescents. Although Ireland has introduced the Public Health (Alcohol) Act, 2018, de facto alcohol advertising is still widespread there. Alcohol signalling remains evident in the life spaces of children through alcohol-themed sweets, snack, and confectionery. Guinness and Baileys are alcohol brands with a wide range of associated foodstuffs. An equivalent to the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) for alcohol is needed to prevent such de facto marketing to children. In addition, alcohol-themed sweets and snacks should only be placed on display within the restricted alcohol sections of shops introduced as part of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act, 2018.