FASD United shares the concerns expressed by the organization Alcohol Justice and others about new alcoholic-drink themed miniature toys sold under the brand “MGA Entertainment’s Make It Mini Happy Hour.” 

Although the toys are labelled, “Not suitable for kids, for adults 21+ years,” it is clear from their appearance and presentation as toys, and the context in which they are being sold, that this product blurs the line between children’s toys and alcoholic beverages.  The line should be solid and clear when it comes to these product categories, given the well-documented public health harms associated with underage drinking.  We join the growing chorus of voices calling for a stop to the manufacture and sale of this product. 

Our focus at FASD United is to empower the FASD community and address prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) as a public health issue.  We know that PAE does not exist in a vacuum and sits within the broader context of the public health impact of alcohol.  Efforts to address PAE are enhanced when we come together to tackle the impact of alcohol on public health. 

At FASD United, we are keenly aware of the need to address alcohol-related harm holistically.  That is why we value our longstanding partnership with NIAAA (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism), which supports research on the health effects of alcohol, including research on PAE and FASD. 

While PAE is distinct from the issue of underage drinking, effective public health campaigns improve outcomes across the board.  Reducing underage drinking is shown to reduce alcohol-use disorder (AUD), and reducing AUD results in fewer alcohol-exposed pregnancies.   

As we make the connection between PAE and other alcohol-related issues, we are committed to advancing the FASD field by getting FASD off the sidelines.  We need to Give FASD a Seat at the Table where decisions are made, because whether the issue is alcohol use, maternal child health, education, child welfare, or disability rights, the FASD community needs to be involved.