European Parliament petitions and national laws address youth energy drink consumption, highlighting health risks across various countries.
[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]
The European Parliament’s Petitions Committee reviewed a petition submitted by Péter Berencsi calling for an EU-wide ban on energy drink consumption by individuals under 18, similar to restrictions on tobacco and alcohol. The petition requires one million signatures from at least seven member states for the European Commission to address the issue through legislation or justification for inaction. The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Consumer Protection noted that while data was requested from EFSA in 2013 and 2015, current labeling advises against excessive consumption due to high caffeine content. EFSA stated that exposure to taurine and D-glucuronolactone does not pose a safety risk, although energy drink consumption among youth is increasing exponentially according to older studies. Several MEP’s supported the petition, citing concerns over mental health effects and addiction, while one opposed it, arguing regulation should remain a national competence. In Hungary, legislation has been evolving since 2011, including a sugar tax, leading to a parliamentary act in April 2024 banning certain energy drinks for those under 18 based on specific ingredient levels. Data from Hungarian health centers showed that over 74% of the 450 individuals presenting with related ailments were under 18. Internationally, Bulgaria shows high consumption rates among youth, while Spain is developing legislation to restrict sales in schools and set caffeine limits. Austria is focusing on media advertising guidelines for children’s food.
