Government proposes energy drinks ban for children
Today, the government have announced the first of a series of consultations as a result of the long awaited Chapter 2 of the childhood obesity plan, which outlines a series of measures as well as a commitment to halve childhood obesity by 2030.
The public will be able to say if they think the law should be changed to prevent children from buying energy drinks that contain more than 150mg of caffeine per litre. Excessive consumption of these drinks has been linked to headaches, sleep problems, stomach aches and hyperactivity. Surveys from teachers unions have also suggested that they contribute to poor behaviour in classrooms. This proposal has the full support of Action on Sugar who have been calling for a ban since 2015.
One 250ml can of energy drink contains around 80mg of caffeine – the equivalent of nearly three cans of cola. Some energy drinks also contain exceptionally high levels of sugar – on average, they have 60% more calories and 65% more sugar than other regular soft drinks. With more than two thirds of 10-17-year-olds and a quarter of 6-9-year-olds consuming energy drinks, they are likely to be contributing to both obesity and tooth decay in children.
Adolescents in the UK who drink energy drinks consume around 50% more than their counterparts in Europe – evidence of the extent of the problem that we face. One of the reasons energy drinks are so appealing to children is that they are often cheaper than other soft drinks – in some outlets it is possible to buy four 250ml cans of energy drink for £1.
While the drinks are already banned for sale to children by many major retailers, they do remain readily available in some retailers, including vending machines and independent convenience stores. In the UK grocery market, including corner shops, only 21% of locations are signed up to the voluntary restrictions.
Food labelling laws already state that any soft drink with more than 150mg of caffeine per litre must carry a warning about its high-caffeine content and are not recommended for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women.
See Action on Sugar responses in the media here
Respond to the consultation here
Kawther Hashem, Nutritionist and Researcher at Action on Sugar says:
"We are delighted that the consultation is proposing a ban that would apply to drinks which contain more than 150mg of caffeine per litre – something which Action on Sugar first called for in 2015. Although some energy drinks manufacturers have already reduced sugar to avoid the sugar tax, the huge can and bottle sizes (500ml) means youngsters are still consuming far too much unnecessary sugar and caffeine. It’s clear that further reductions in both sugar and caffeine are urgently needed, and that they should get rid of large serving sizes which are completely inappropriate for children to consume, form no part of a healthy balanced diet, and should be banned for under 16s.”
Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“Childhood obesity is one of the greatest health challenges this country faces, and that’s why we are taking significant action to reduce the amounts of sugar consumed by young people and to help families make healthier choices. Our plans to tackle obesity are already world leading, but we recognise much more needs to be done and as part of our long-term plan for the NHS, we are putting a renewed focus on the prevention of ill-health. With thousands of young people regularly consuming energy drinks, often because they are sold at cheaper prices than soft drinks, we will consult on banning the sale of energy drinks to children. It is vital that we do all we can to make sure children have the best start in life and I encourage everyone to put forward their views.”
Public Health Minister Steve Brine said:
“We all have a responsibility to protect children from products that are damaging to their health and education, and we know that drinks packed to the brim with caffeine, and often sugar, are becoming a common fixture of their diet. Our children already consume 50% more of these drinks than our European counterparts, and teachers have made worrying links between energy drinks and poor behaviour in the classroom. We are asking the public for their views on the matter, to ensure energy drinks are not being excessively consumed.”
Duncan Selbie, Chief Executive of Public Health England, said:
“Children do not need energy drinks to get through the day – they offer nothing more than unnecessary sugar. Restricting the sale of these drinks is another bold step needed to turn the tide on childhood obesity.”
Professor Russell Viner, President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said:
“There is no evidence that energy drinks have any nutritional value or place in the diet of children and young people. It’s therefore worrying that so many young people are buying these drinks at low prices and consuming them on a regular basis. The growing market for energy drinks and potential for harm to children and young people clearly warrants further scrutiny. That’s why we’re pleased to see Government take action on this and other measures to tackle childhood obesity and improve children’s health.”
