News / Regional
UK to Ban Sale of Energy Drinks to Under-16s
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The British Government has unveiled plans to introduce a law banning the sale of energy drinks to anyone under the age of 16, tightening rules around high-caffeine products that health experts warn pose serious risks to children.
Under the proposed law, minors will be prohibited from purchasing energy drinks in shops, restaurants, vending machines, and even online. The move follows growing concern about the health impact of popular brands such as Red Bull, Monster, and Prime, which are widely consumed by children in the UK despite voluntary restrictions already in place at many supermarkets.
UK media reports estimate that about a third of children regularly consume energy drinks, some of which contain more caffeine than two cups of coffee. Health experts say excessive consumption can trigger headaches, sleep disorders, rapid heart rates, abnormal heart rhythms, and in rare cases, seizures and even death.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting told BBC programmes that the push for tighter controls was strongly supported by parents, teachers and young people themselves.
"You can see the impact on health, concentration and learning, and that is why we are acting," Streeting said.
The Association of UK Dieticians has also flagged concerns, warning that sugary varieties of energy drinks are contributing to rising levels of tooth decay and obesity among children.
The government has opened a 12-week consultation process to gather views from health experts, educators, retailers and manufacturers before finalising the legislation. While no date has yet been confirmed, Streeting indicated the ban could be implemented "a lot sooner" than the end of the current parliamentary term.
The UK joins a growing list of countries reviewing or tightening restrictions on energy drinks as their popularity among young people rises. In 2015, Zimbabwe's Ministry of Health and Child Care briefly banned the sale of Dragon and Twizza energy drinks, citing import and health concerns, although the restrictions were lifted within a month following consultations.
Under the proposed law, minors will be prohibited from purchasing energy drinks in shops, restaurants, vending machines, and even online. The move follows growing concern about the health impact of popular brands such as Red Bull, Monster, and Prime, which are widely consumed by children in the UK despite voluntary restrictions already in place at many supermarkets.
UK media reports estimate that about a third of children regularly consume energy drinks, some of which contain more caffeine than two cups of coffee. Health experts say excessive consumption can trigger headaches, sleep disorders, rapid heart rates, abnormal heart rhythms, and in rare cases, seizures and even death.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting told BBC programmes that the push for tighter controls was strongly supported by parents, teachers and young people themselves.
The Association of UK Dieticians has also flagged concerns, warning that sugary varieties of energy drinks are contributing to rising levels of tooth decay and obesity among children.
The government has opened a 12-week consultation process to gather views from health experts, educators, retailers and manufacturers before finalising the legislation. While no date has yet been confirmed, Streeting indicated the ban could be implemented "a lot sooner" than the end of the current parliamentary term.
The UK joins a growing list of countries reviewing or tightening restrictions on energy drinks as their popularity among young people rises. In 2015, Zimbabwe's Ministry of Health and Child Care briefly banned the sale of Dragon and Twizza energy drinks, citing import and health concerns, although the restrictions were lifted within a month following consultations.
Source - BMetro
