Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
THE British Government has announced plans to introduce a law that will make it illegal for anyone under 16 to buy energy drinks from shops, restaurants, vending machines and even online platforms.
According to UK media reports, about a third of children regularly consume popular energy drinks such as Red Bull, Monster and Prime, despite many supermarkets having already introduced a voluntary ban.
Some of these drinks reportedly contain more caffeine than two cups of coffee, posing serious health risks. Excessive consumption has been linked to headaches, sleep disorders, rapid heart rates, abnormal heart rhythms and, in rare cases, seizures and even death.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said parents, teachers and even children had been urging the government to act.
“You can see the impact on health, concentration and learning, and that is why we are acting,” Streeting told BBC Breakfast.
The Association of UK Dieticians also warned that sugary versions of these drinks contribute to tooth decay and obesity.
The government has launched a 12-week consultation process to gather input from health experts, educators, retailers and manufacturers ahead of the new law. While no official date has been set, Streeting hinted that the ban would come into effect “a lot sooner” than the end of the current parliamentary term.
The move comes as countries grapple with the growing popularity of high-caffeine drinks among young people.
In 2015, Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care briefly banned the sale of Dragon and Twizza energy drinks, citing violations of import procedures and concerns over health standards. The ban was lifted less than a month later following consultations with stakeholders.
