The United States could be facing a new kind of prohibition era if a radical new policy on alcohol consumption, spearheaded by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., moves forward.
This policy is backed by a little-known government panel and proposes a complete overhaul of current alcohol consumption recommendations, potentially advising Americans to abstain from drinking entirely.
Shock Proposal from a Government Panel
In a surprising move, a six-person government panel is now pushing the U.S. to adopt the World Health Organization’s stance that no level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health.
This proposal has sparked a heated debate, particularly among so-called “neo-prohibitionists,” who argue that even moderate alcohol use is harmful and push for a shift toward stricter policies on drinking.
The report is raising alarms among lawmakers across party lines.
Many fear this could set the stage for another prohibition-like era, reminiscent of the early 20th century, where the U.S. banned alcohol altogether.
While prohibition in the past brought about underground speakeasies and flapper culture, critics are worried that this new push could infringe upon individual freedoms and the rights of Americans to make their own choices regarding alcohol.
Pushback from Lawmakers and Public Figures
In response to the government panel’s recommendations, 100 members of Congress signed a letter back in October urging a halt to the review process of a report that links even moderate alcohol consumption to over 200 health conditions.
The report, which is 81 pages long, calls for a reduction in alcohol intake guidelines, arguing that even moderate drinking increases the risk of serious health problems, including certain types of cancer and heart disease.
However, it is still unclear how HHS Secretary RFK Jr. and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins plan to move forward with these recommendations.
Neither agency responded to DailyMail.com’s inquiries regarding whether they would consider lowering the alcohol intake guidelines to zero.
The Role of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA)
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) are reviewed every five years by HHS and the Department of Agriculture (USDA).
These guidelines play a crucial role in shaping national policies and influencing how Americans approach food and drink.
The next update is due by the end of 2025 and will impact dietary habits for the following decade.
Currently, the 2020-2025 DGA advises adults 21 and older to limit alcohol consumption to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
These guidelines already represent a very conservative stance on alcohol intake, but the new proposals seek even more stringent measures, with some groups pushing for outright prohibition or severe restrictions on alcohol.
The Neo-Prohibition Movement Gaining Ground
There is growing support among “neo-prohibitionists” who advocate for stricter regulations on alcohol, including potentially advising the public not to drink at all.
These groups often focus on the dangers of underage drinking, but their platform extends to advocating for a broader ban on alcohol, similar to the anti-smoking stance taken by health authorities.
The concern is that if the HHS and USDA adopt these recommendations, it could lead to drastic public policy changes that would make it more difficult for Americans to legally purchase or consume alcohol.
A Push for Healthier Standards and Reducing Health Inequities
Secretary RFK Jr., a strong advocate for health-conscious living, has long been vocal about the dangers of alcohol and other chemicals in food.
He has built his public persona around fitness and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Along with USDA Secretary Rollins, Kennedy is pushing for a “line-by-line” review of the 2025 DGA, seeking to ensure that the new guidelines are based on sound science rather than political ideologies.
Kennedy’s track record includes pushing for the FDA to ban harmful additives in food and raising awareness about the dangers of processed ingredients.
Earlier this year, the FDA banned the use of red dye No. 3, which had been linked to thyroid cancer after decades of research.
His stance on alcohol is just one piece of his broader agenda to overhaul public health policies in the U.S.
What Does the Future Hold?
As this debate continues, it remains unclear whether the U.S. will indeed head down a path toward stricter alcohol regulations or even a new prohibition era.
The impact of such a shift could be far-reaching, affecting everything from consumer habits to the alcohol industry.
The final decision on alcohol consumption guidelines will be made by the HHS and USDA later this year, and the outcome will shape the future of American public health for years to come.
