I propose to take Questions Nos. 3449 and 3450 together.
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), energy drinks are defined as non-alcoholic beverages that contain caffeine, taurine, vitamins, and sometimes guarana and ginseng. EFSA's guidelines suggest a safe caffeine intake level of 3 mg/kg (milligram per kilogram of body weight) per day for all age groups. Notably, 68% of adolescents consume energy drinks, with 12% being daily consumers, (EFSA, 2013). Energy drinks should not be confused with isotonic beverages and “sport drinks”. Some of these products may also be sold as food supplements for example labelled as ‘pre workout drinks’ etc. The broadness of the food supplement definition - article 2 Directive 2002/46/EC may facilitate this. A supplement is not considered a beverage and therefore Reg 1169/2011 Annex III 4.2 labelling for caffeine is relevant i.e. ‘contains caffeine’.
Any proposal to prohibit the sale of energy drinks to children ultimately aims to protect children’s health by restricting access to energy drinks. For Ireland, implementing these measures would involve public health benefits, economic implications, changes in consumer behaviour, and necessitate regulatory changes.
Given the importance of this topic, thorough analysis and stakeholder engagement are essential for crafting effective and balanced regulations. To that end, Safefood is currently compiling a report in relation to this area and the Department is expecting this to be submitted shortly. Once received, the Department will consider this report and proceed accordingly.
