The Government of England Puts a Ban on Energy Drink Sales to Children

In a recent report, it has been declared that the children would be denied energy drinks. The reason stated by the officials is the high amount of caffeine present in the sugared drinks. Sources confirmed that the ban will be implemented from coming Thursday.

The products that are banned in this new norm are Monster Energy, Red Bull and several other energy drinks that were being sold to the minors of England. As per reports, this was a growing concern when it came to the health of the young population. High caffeine content in these drinks affected their health at a very young age and the officials said that it was the only way to stop this.

The way the ban will be implemented will be informed by Thursday. The officials of Downing Street are sure that this ban will begin to process. But there are questions about the age limit. Discussions are going on whether to finalize the age limit to 16 or 18.

One of the officials informed that the consultation was connected with the government’s strategy to take a note on childhood obesity. The government officials in their report said that often the price of these energy drinks remain low then the regular soft drinks.

The officials when planning to implement such a ban on energy drinks were asked the reason behind it. The officials informed that they have reports of stomach aches, hyperactivity and sleep problems. The medical experts connect the string and stated that the reason might be the caffeine content that goes into the children’s body while they are consuming such drinks.

Experts’ Speak

Caffeine alone has been shown to be compelling in upgrading lipolysis, fat oxidation, and lessening glycogen breakdown and when it is joined with other thermogenic operators, its capability gives off an impression of being amplified. Caffeine, when mixed with ephedra, has been appeared to be a viable supplement for expanding metabolic rate and empowering fat in the body. Synephrine is a gentle stimulant and is thought to add to craving concealment, expanded metabolic rate, and lipolysis. To augment its adequacy as a successful weight reduction supplement, it creates the impression that synephrine may be joined with other natural items. A few investigations have demonstrated that phenylethylamine can ease despondency and enhance the state of mind in clinical populaces. Regardless of whether these fixings can improve the state of mind in an evidently sound populace isn't entrenched.

Jamie Oliver, food health campaigner and celebrity chef expressed said he respected the possibility of a restriction on caffeinated drink which deals in light of the fact that there are numerous youngsters who are consistently utilizing them to supplant breakfast. The teachers in different institutions have disclosed how their classes are disrupted as the students remain physically unwell due to such drinks that are offering such high amount of caffeine.

Russell Viner, the president of the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health, said: “There is no such evidence of these energy drinks having any nutritional value or needs a place in the diet of children and young people.  For this reason, they were extremely happy to see the government take such an action on this matter and other measures. This would be a way to tackle childhood obesity and improve children’s health.”

An official from the teachers’ union NASUWT named Darren Northcott said that such kind of beverages is “legal high”. When the children consume it they come under some sort of intoxication that makes them do unusual behaviors in schools.  

Going by the numbers

In a study, it was found out that a single can of 250ml Red Bull contains about 80mg of caffeine. This is nearly the same amount of caffeine that remains in a cup of coffee. On the other hand, when compared to Coca-Cola which is a soft drink, it has been found that the same amount of caffeine is present in 3 cans of 250 ml of Coca-Cola. If we consider the energy drink called Monster Energy, you will find that it has a similar amount of caffeine as Red Bull. Monster Energy is usually available in 500 ml cans which means having a single can of it means you are having 160 mg of caffeine.

The reports also revealed that the level of sugar in soft drinks is comparatively low than these energy drinks. Due to this reason, such kind of drinks is considered the leading cause of obesity among children. These are basically sugared drinks that have 60% more calories and 65% more sugar content than that of regular soft drinks.

The step of banning the sales of such energy drinks was already implemented by many major retailers in the UK. They were concerned about the issues and thus they had taken such a decision. But when the other outlets continue to sell the products the attempt goes in vain. In a report, it was found out that the children of the UK consume 50% more such drinks than any other country in Europe. As per another survey, two third of children belonging to the age group of 10-17 consume such energy drinks. Among 6-9 age group, the number was one fourth. As per the Mintel consumer data, 63% of boys of age group 16-24 are having such products. For the girls of the same age group, the number is 58%.  Such records alarmed the government to take such a bold step.

There remains a compulsory health warning on such products that reads: “High caffeine content. Not recommended for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women or persons sensitive to caffeine.” But these warnings are just like those software agreements which people never read and just click accept while installing.

Such a move might be effective but it is considered just a step towards that will take time to actually show the results. This inexorably interventionist approach is being sought after by the Conservatives in connection to youth corpulence and wellbeing.

The proposed boycott just applies to England, however, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland would all be able to go with the same pattern if their organizations wish.