RFK Jr.'s new alcohol policy removes specific drinking limits

The Department of Health and Human Services under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed numeric daily alcohol limits and now advises people to "consume less alcohol," with abstinence recommended for certain health conditions. Some scientists and nutritionists say the guidance is vague, and reports from outside committees linking alcohol to cancer were reportedly not considered.

Federal health officials led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Department of Health and Human Services changed how they advise Americans about alcohol. The new guidance drops the previous numeric limits and instead urges people to "consume less alcohol." It also reiterates abstinence for certain groups, such as pregnant people and those with a history of alcohol problems. The shift drew comment because outside reports linking alcohol to cancer and other risks were referenced but reported as not considered. Key developments: - The department's guidance no longer gives specific daily drink limits and uses the phrase "consume less alcohol." - Previous longstanding federal guidance had said moderate drinking meant up to two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. - Two outside committees reported links between alcohol and health risks, including some cancers; the administration reported that it did not consider those findings in its guidance. - Some scientists, nutritionists and public health advocates described the new advice as too vague for people to apply in everyday choices, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services leadership called not drinking the "best case scenario" while noting social aspects of drinking. Summary: The guidance replaces numerical benchmarks with a general recommendation to reduce alcohol intake, and officials reiterated abstinence for specified groups. Undetermined at this time.