Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
The English government is making strides to prohibit the sale of energy drinks like Red Bull, Monster, and Prime to individuals under the age of 16 in various establishments, including shops, restaurants, cafes, vending machines, and online. Despite most supermarkets already implementing a voluntary ban, it is estimated that up to a third of children in the UK consume these beverages on a weekly basis. Some of the popular energy drinks on the market contain more caffeine than two cups of coffee, which can lead to headaches and sleep disturbances.
The Health and Social Care Secretary, who spoke on the BBC Radio 4 program Today, acknowledged the calls from parents, teachers, and children to take action against the consumption of these drinks due to the negative impact on health, concentration, and learning abilities. Excessive intake of caffeine can result in a rapid heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms, and seizures, and in rare cases, it has been linked to fatalities. Furthermore, the sugary content in these drinks can contribute to tooth decay, obesity, and pose potential health risks.
A consultation will be conducted over a 12-week period to gather insights from health experts, educators, the public, and retailers and manufacturers who have already banned these beverages. While a specific date for the ban has not been established, the implementation is expected to be sooner rather than later, as Health and Social Care Secretary emphasized the urgency of the matter. Youth activists have voiced concerns about the clever marketing strategies employed by manufacturers to target young consumers, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and the need to address social media advertising practices.
The ban will not impact lower-caffeine soft drinks or tea and coffee, and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has previously highlighted the disruptive effects of energy drinks on children. The regulation requires any drink with over 150mg of caffeine per liter, apart from tea or coffee, to have a warning label for high caffeine content. While adults can safely consume up to 400mg of caffeine daily, children and adolescents may be more susceptible due to their smaller bodies and ongoing brain development. The move to prohibit the sale of these drinks to minors has been backed by health professionals and researchers, who stress the detrimental consequences of energy drink consumption on youth
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.