John Myers
From what caffeine content per 100 ml can energy drinks be sold to children? The background is as follows: I was shopping and had to watch how 7-8 year old children bought cans of an energy drink. When asked, the cashier said she could sell these to children. Is that correct?
Yes, the sale of energy drinks is allowed in Germany without age restrictions.
Energy drinks are caffeinated soft drinks. Sugar and caffeine provide the “energy kick”. In addition, other substances such as glucuronolactone, inositol and taurine are often used.
We are concerned about the ongoing boom in these beverages. Because children and young people of all people like these squeaky-sweet drinks. The sweetness masks the bitter taste of the caffeine. So there is a risk of taking it in doses. A 2013 study by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on consumption found that every fifth child in Europe between the ages of six and ten consumes energy drinks, sometimes in large quantities.
Undesirable effects can occur with high caffeine intakes. These include nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms. There is also evidence that the simultaneous consumption of energy drinks and large amounts of alcohol and/or extensive physical activity increases the risk of negative health effects. Certain consumer groups, such as children, pregnant women, breastfeeding women and people sensitive to caffeine, should avoid energy drinks.
In a scientific report, the EFSA has determined maximum values for caffeine that are harmless for the healthy general population. Accordingly, 3 mg of caffeine per kg of body weight per day is considered harmless for children and adolescents. A 13-year-old boy with a body weight of approx. 54 kg achieves this amount with a 500 ml can of energy drink.
In Germany, there is a national legal maximum amount of 320 mg caffeine per liter for caffeinated soft drinks. Beverages (excluding tea and coffee) containing more than 150 mg of caffeine per liter must bear the statement “High caffeine content. Not recommended for children and pregnant or breastfeeding women” in the field of vision of the label, followed by the indication of the caffeine content in mg each 100ml
This information is not enough for the consumer advice centers to discourage children and young people from consumption. Because of the risks, they are calling for a ban on sales to children and young people under the age of 18. Pediatric cardiologists are also sounding the alarm and consider the reference to caffeine-containing products to be insufficient.
