Satcher's testimony was reinforced by George A. Hacker, director of the Alcohol Policies Project, who told the ATF panel, "Alcohol producers should be required either to tell the whole story about alcohol or be prevented from hawking America's costliest and most devastating drug as the ultimate health potion."

In February 1999, the ATF approved the use of two labels that encouraged consumers interested in learning about the "health effects of wine consumption" to refer to the federal government's dietary guidelines or consult their family doctor.

Political Pressure

In February of this year, The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence issued an action alert concerning health claims and other health-related statements in the labeling and advertising of alcoholic beverages and asked consumers to submit comments to BATF.

The NCADD provided a sample letter and invited questions via e-mail at publicpolicy@ncadd.org.

As a result the Bureau scheduled public hearings the last week in April in Washington, D.C. and will continue in San Francisco May 23 and 24, near the heart of U.S. wine country. Thurmond was the first to testify before the panel.

Commercial Gain

The dietary guidelines consumers are referred to by the labels spell out the possible dangers of heavy alcohol consumption as well as the very limited benefits, "But the overwhelming number of people... are going to assume that (the label) means that (drinking) this is okay," said Surgeon General Satcher.

Health experts do not dispute the wine industry's claim that moderate drinking is beneficial to some individuals, but Dr. Carlos Camargo, a researcher at Harvard Medical School, who opposes the labels, warned that for many other individuals, even moderate drinking is unhealthy.

George A. Hacker echoed those sentiments in his testimony. "Alcohol is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Alcohol consumption is associated with cirrhosis, numerous cancers, hemorrhagic stroke, birth defects, injuries, violence, poisoning, and suicide. Even the moderate use of alcohol has risks for some drinkers," he said.