Federal Report on Drinking Is Withdrawn

The U.S. government has withdrawn a federal report on the health effects of alcohol consumption. The report, which was set to inform the upcoming Dietary Guidelines, had concluded that no level of alcohol consumption is safe. However, this report has been replaced by a competing study that favors the alcohol industry's stance, finding that moderate alcohol consumption can be healthy. The decision to withdraw the federal report and rely on the industry-favored study has raised concerns among public health experts. They argue that the industry-backed study lacks the rigorous methodology and independent oversight present in the withdrawn federal report. This shift in the guidelines' influences has sparked criticism that the government is prioritizing industry interests over public health. The upcoming Dietary Guidelines, which are expected to be released later this year, will now reflect the industry-backed study's findings on the potential health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, despite the contrasting conclusions of the withdrawn federal report.