Children in UK will be banned from buying high-caffeine energy drinks in a bid to tackle obesity and improve concentration in schools
The Government plans to make it illegal to sell energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to anyone under 16.
This includes online, in shops, restaurants, cafes and vending machines in England.
Lower-caffeine soft drinks—such as Coca‑Cola, Coca‑Cola Zero, Diet Coke and Pepsi —are not affected, and neither are tea and coffee.
However, brands such as Red Bull, Monster, Relentless and Prime would all breach the limit.
Around 100,000 children are thought to consume at least one high-caffeine energy drink every day.
Ministers say a ban could prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children and will help prevent disrupted sleep, increased anxiety and lack of concentration—as well as poorer school results.
Katharine Jenner, director of the Obesity Health Alliance, welcomed the move, saying: ‘High-caffeine energy drinks have no place in children’s hands.
‘This is a common-sense, evidence-based step to protect children’s physical, mental, and dental health.
‘Age-of-sale policies like this have a proven record of reducing access to products that are not suitable for children, and will help create an environment that supports healthier choices for future generations.’
Major supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Morrisons and Asda have already stopped sales of the drinks to youngsters.
But the Department of Health and Social Care said research suggests some smaller convenience stores are still selling them to children.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said: ‘How can we expect children to do well at school if they have the equivalent of a double espresso in their system on a daily basis?
‘Energy drinks might seem harmless, but the sleep, concentration and wellbeing of today’s kids are all being impacted while high sugar versions damage their teeth and contribute to obesity.
‘As part of our plan for change and shift from treatment to prevention, we’re acting on the concerns of parents and teachers and tackling the root causes of poor health and educational attainment head on.
‘By preventing shops from selling these drinks to kids, we’re helping build the foundations for healthier and happier generations to come.’
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
Energy drinks is not it