Surgeon General Calls for Alcohol Cancer Warning

Shares of major spirits and beer companies, including Constellation Brands and Anheuser-Busch InBev, dropped significantly after U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recommended cancer warning labels for alcoholic beverages due to their links to various cancers, including breast and liver cancer. The advisory noted that the risk of developing certain cancers can increase with the consumption of even one drink per day. Following this announcement, Constellation Brands lost approximately $450 million in market valuation, while other companies like Brown-Forman and Molson Coors saw declines between 1% and 4%. Murthy emphasized that alcohol is the third-leading preventable cause of cancer, and only about 45% of Americans are aware of these risks. The decision to implement these warnings now lies with Congress, and experts suggest that public attitudes towards alcohol consumption are changing, especially among younger generations. The Surgeon General's advisory highlights the urgent need for increased awareness regarding alcohol-related health risks.