I’m not sure why, but the Federal Government has unexpectedly decided to remove drinks limits from its recommendations for moderate alcohol consumption.

Here’s the story, from USA Today:

The chaos and confusion of RFK Jr.’s new alcohol policy

So no more “two drinks per day for men, one for women” that we were accustomed to?

Instead, Dr. Oz explained to the media that alcohol plays an important role as a social lubricant, helping to bring people together. And, he argued, so long as one doesn’t consume alcohol for breakfast, one can rely on one’s own judgment as to how much to drink on a given occasion.

Unless there’s a medical problem such as diabetes or heart disease, he added, in which case one is advised to abstain completely.

The good Dr. Oz appeared unaware of the reality that large numbers of Americans do in fact consume alcoholic beverages at breakfast (or brunch). His advice must have come as a surprise for all those who enjoy a mimosa, Bloody Mary, Screwdriver, or Bellini (a peach-flavored Italian drink popular in some circles) on the weekend.

Even more surprised must have been the numerous restaurants and hotels that serve brunch — liquor is the biggest part of their profit margin.

Critics immediately complained that by being less precise, the Feds are just creating unnecessary confusion in the minds of the public. On the other hand, I was never confident that drinkers were paying attention to the recommended limits in the first place. If they did, it was likely due more to desire to avoid a drunk driving arrest than out of concern for their health.

It’s ironic these revised recommendations were issued in 2026, since the last few years have seen an abundance of findings as to the serious health consequences of drinking, even in small quantities — including raising risk for various cancers.

Apparently much of that information was either ignored or dismissed out of hand.

Now they want us to focus on the social benefits of convivial consumption?

I suppose that in comparison to messing around with the vaccine schedule, this is small change. Still seems dumb.