Based on The Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD), a comprehensive worldwide observational epidemiological study which describes mortality and morbidity from major diseases, injuries and risk factors to health, the expert from Wine Information Council made a presentation on the importance to critical analyse scientific publications and the importance to put the findings into perspective and context.

When analysing alcohol consumption, it is important to put the results in the context of diet and lifestyle. We don't drink alcohol strictly speaking, but we drink beer, wine, spirits, and we don't just drink but we eat also. There are other factors that affect our health. In a word, we need to look at the context and not just the consumption of alcohol.

It is indeed important to consider lifestyle factors. For example, whether you drink moderately or occasionally is important; whether you drink with or without meals, the type of drink, diet, smoking and physical activity, as well as socio-economic status must be taken into account when considering alcohol consumption.

During the expert meeting, the importance of a critical analysis of scientific publications was widely discussed. The experts will begin to prepare a document on the evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of different epidemiological models and their relevant limitations for the interpretation of their results.

The expert group will also launch a new axis of work to determine whether there is a difference between the effect of alcohol, and of wine in particular, on consumption if it is studied in isolation or as part of a diet.

This is an important part of the research that needs to be developed. There appear to be advantages to considering food patterns rather than individual nutrients or foods in isolation. Foods are not consumed separately and their health effects are additive or even synergistic.

For any further information you can contact Barbara Iasiello Head of Unit « Safety & Health » sanco@oiv.int

A General Engineer in Rural Engineering, Water and Forestry, Georges Dutruc-Rosset spent an exceptional career in various agricultural agencies of the French government.

He was successively Assistant to the Director of the Agriculture and Forestry Authority in the departments of Pas de Calais, Seine et Oise and Gard. Then, from 1967 to 1972, he was Project Coordinator in charge of planning for the Cévennes National Park, before going on to lead a number of different agencies:

Director General of the Society for the Development of Auvergne and Limousin in Clermont-Ferrand (SOMIVAL) (1972-1975),

Deputy Director of the National Interprofessional Office for Livestock and Meat (ONIBEV) (1976-1980),

Deputy Director of Planning at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (1981-1986),

Delegation Head for the ‘Integrated Mediterranean Programmes’ (IMPs) (1986-1987),

Director of the National Interprofessional Office for Fruit, Vegetables and Horticulture (ONIFLHOR) (1987-1993),

Director of the Interprofessional Office for Meat, Livestock and Poultry (OFIVAL) (1993-1995).

As Chief of Staff to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Philippe Vasseur (1995-1996), he was put forward by France as the candidate to succeed Robert Tinlot as OIV Director General.
He was elected in South Africa in 1996, and held office until 2003, when Federico Castellucci was voted into office.

His mandate was primarily devoted to a period of audit and reform of the OIV. It was during this time that the Agreement of 3 April 2001 establishing the International Organisation of Vine and Wine was negotiated and signed, as well as the OIV Rules of Procedure.

A former Navy Captain, Georges Dutruc-Rosset was recognised by the French Republic for his achievements: he was an Officer of the Legion of Honour and of the National Order of Merit, a Commander of the Order of Agricultural Merit, and a member of the French Academy of Agriculture. His avowed passion for hunting led him to become Commissioner for the estates of Rambouillet and Marly-le-Roi on his departure from the OIV.

The OIV pays tribute to the memory of our former Director, who devoted his skills to restructuring the Organisation, and we offer our sincere condolences to his wife Yvonne and his children.