Highly caffeinated energy drinks containing more than 150 mg of caffeine per litre “should be kept out of children’s hands,” and their sale to under-16s will be banned in England from April next year under new legislation aimed at improving young people’s health outcomes.
Around 100,000 children across the country currently consume highly caffeinated energy drinks every day. According to the government, children living in more deprived areas and households are more likely to consume them.
According to Greece’s Ministry of Health, 8% of young people consume energy drinks more than once a week.
Ministers said their consumption, which is becoming increasingly common in school playgrounds and is promoted by online influencers, is linked to a range of health risks, including effects on physical and mental health, as well as poorer outcomes at school.
The ban will apply to shops, vending machines and online sales, while businesses that break the law could face fines of up to £2,500.
The country’s health secretary said: “Highly caffeinated energy drinks have no place in children’s hands. We know that thousands of children in England consume them every day, but the evidence clearly shows that this can cause anxiety, affect their sleep and concentration, and have a negative impact on their education.”
Source: Guardian
