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US Drops Strict Alcohol Limits in New Dietary Guidelines

A major policy shift erases decades-old alcohol warnings. Who should still avoid drinking—and why the government is changing its approach?

In this picture there is a bottle of cool drink and RISK word is written at the top of the bottle...
In this picture there is a bottle of cool drink and RISK word is written at the top of the bottle and a posture of the man who is wearing a red shirt and a hat on the bottle.

US Drops Strict Alcohol Limits in New Dietary Guidelines

The US government has released updated dietary guidelines that no longer set clear limits on alcohol consumption. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the changes at a White House press conference, shifting focus toward general health rather than strict alcohol thresholds. The new advice encourages Americans to drink less but removes previous warnings about specific news. The revised guidelines mark a notable departure from earlier versions. They no longer recommend daily or weekly alcohol limits for the general public. Instead, they urge moderation without defining exact amounts. Certain groups are still advised to avoid alcohol entirely. This includes pregnant individuals, those with alcohol use disorder, and people taking medications that interact with alcohol. The guidelines also caution individuals with a family history of alcoholism to monitor their drinking habits closely. Another key change is the removal of gender-specific recommendations. Previous versions distinguished between men and women, but the new rules apply uniformly. Additionally, the updated guidelines no longer mention the risk of alcohol-related news, a warning included in past editions. The new dietary guidelines prioritise overall health while softening previous restrictions on alcohol. They encourage reduced consumption but leave specific limits undefined. The changes reflect a broader shift in how the government communicates alcohol-related advice to the public.

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