The debate over the health effects of alcohol consumption is picking up with mixed messages on the risks of imbibing. Why it matters: While there's growing evidence supporting abstinence, U.S. guidelines still suggest moderate drinking is safe.

Moskow noted that in a worst-case scenario for the alcohol industry, the Trump Administration could make the Surgeon General's alcohol warning part of the Make America Healthy Again initiative and Congress could update the ABLA to enforce stronger language and more prominent placement of the warning labels on alcohol packaging.

Dr. Vivek Murthy’s report cites studies linking alcoholic beverages to at least seven malignancies, including breast cancer. But to add warning labels, Congress would have to act.