Raising awareness among pregnant women

Consuming alcohol during pregnancy can pose major risks to the unborn child. The most serious consequence of prenatal exposure to alcohol is foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). On this issue, Pernod Ricard takes the same precautionary approach as recommended by many health authorities: abstain completely from alcohol consumption.

In this context, Pernod Ricard is committed to :

  • supporting and relaying health authorities’ abstinence message,
  • informing women of the entirely avoidable risks associated with consuming alcohol during pregnancy. 

ADVISING PREGNANT WOMEN TO ABSTAIN FROM ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION



In 2005, the French legislature voted to approve an amendment that requires warning labels on products. A pictogram on bottle labels now alerts pregnant women of the dangers of alcohol consumption.




Despite the absence of specific laws or regulations, Pernod Ricard applies this measure on a voluntary basis to reach as many consumers as possible. The Group decided to communicate this message more widely from the first half of 2007 by extending the use of this label on its products on sale throughout the European Union.


RAISING AWARENESS ON THE RISKS TO PREGNANT WOMEN

Pernod Ricard also participates in public information campaigns to highlight the risks posed by prenatal exposure to alcohol.

In France, Pernod Ricard supports the prevention efforts aimed at pregnant women and health professionals initiated by the French prevention group Entreprise et Prévention and the Collège National des Gynécologues et Obstétriciens Français (CNGOF).

This initiative aims to facilitate dialogue between doctors and their patients though a simple recommendation: “zero alcohol during pregnancy”. To this end, several information documents are distributed, including:

- A brochure for the general public called “Puis-je boire un verre à sa santé?” (pdf) (“Can I drink to my baby’s health?”) deals with questions that future parents may have.

- A booklet entitled “Alcool et grossesse, si on en parlait?” (pdf)(“Alcohol and pregnancy: let’s talk about it”) informs doctors on the effects of alcohol on the foetus and how to raise the issue with patients.

- A flyer (pdf) distributed in doctors’ waiting rooms also conveys the message and encourages patients to ask questions.



An awareness-raising campaign called “Equilibrio” (balance) was launched by Pernod Ricard Venezuela in 2007. Two sections of the campaign entitled “There’s no life without balance” deal with alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The recommendation made by Pernod Ricard Venezuela to pregnant women is clear: “Take action: don’t drink when you’re pregnant”.