Researchers publish alcohol study; HHS says it did not endorse or review the work

A study examining health risks associated with light alcohol consumption was published this week. The research had been conducted with federal funding and overseen by government health officials. The final version underwent peer review at the journal where it appeared.

Background on the research Much of the underlying work was completed using taxpayer funds. The published findings align with a draft report that became public in 2025. The House Appropriations Committee passed an HHS spending bill on Tuesday that bars the SAMHSA panel involved in the alcohol study from examining adult alcohol consumption in its work on underage drinking prevention.

Context on federal guidelines The study was originally prepared ahead of updates to federal dietary guidelines. The Trump administration did not release the work before its publication by independent researchers.