Bath professor calls for urgent alcohol regulation to tackle "liver disease crisis"
A new report calls for policy action to tackle rising deaths in Europe
Bath's Professor Harry Rutter is calling for urgent regulation of the alcohol industry as part of efforts to tackle the rising liver disease crisis across Europe.
Co-authoring a significant report, Professor Rutter has highlighted the increasing impact of liver disease, which accounts for approximately 780 deaths daily.
"It is essential to address the harmful influence of the alcohol and unhealthy food industries on individuals and on policy," said  Professor Rutter.
"The targeting of children and young people by these industries, especially through social media, is particularly egregious."
The Commission recommends introducing warning labels on alcohol products and stricter controls on digital marketing, especially to younger audiences.
Prof. Tom H. Karlsen, Commission Co-Chair, said: “Europe has the knowledge and tools to prevent much of the liver disease burden.
"The real challenge now is implementation and harmonisation across Europe."
Proposals include strengthening integrated care models, enhancing access to affordable medicines, and incorporating liver health metrics into existing frameworks for better accountability.