In brief: Brewers told to end health claims

BERLIN – German breweries were ordered by a Berlin state court Monday to stop advertising beer as something good for people’s looks and health.

Ruling in favor of a suit by consumer advocacy groups, the court told the German Breweries Association that they cannot advertise the claimed beneficial health effects of their brews.

The court said such claims were not in harmony with Europe-wide regulations.

The suit was filed to challenge German brewers’ various claims that beer promoted good looks and helped to ward off heart, gall bladder, kidney stone and osteoporosis ailments.

EU sanctions widen on Syria

BRUSSELS – The European Union expanded its sanctions against Syria on Monday, imposing asset freezes and travel bans against five more military and government officials.

The EU decision brings the number of individuals targeted by the EU to 35, including President Bashar Assad. Four government entities are also on the list.

The EU said it would release the names of the additions to the list today.

The U.N. Security Council met behind closed doors to discuss a revised European-drafted resolution backed by the United States that has been languishing since late May that would condemn the Syrian government’s attacks against civilians. It has faced opposition from Russia, China, India, South Africa and Brazil.

On Monday, Syrian forces shelled the city of Hama for a second day and fired at worshippers heading to Ramadan prayers. Violence on Sunday left 74 people dead throughout the country, according to rights groups.