Status: 16.01.2024, 11:57 a.m.
By: Marcus Giebel
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Large selection: Energy drinks have long been available in various shapes and colors. © IMAGO / Manfred Segerer
Energy drinks should only be allowed to be consumed from the age of 16 at the earliest. The new Citizens' Assembly is making this recommendation to the Bundestag.
Berlin – For Germany's politicians, it will soon be about food and drink. In theory. The Bundestag will deal with the recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly "Nutrition in Transition". After its third meeting, the panel delivered nine proposals to be presented to Parliament on 20 February.
Age limit for energy drinks: Citizens' Assembly recommends sale only to 16-year-olds
At the top of the list are free lunches for all children as the key to educational opportunities and health, a mandatory state label to facilitate conscious shopping, and the mandatory distribution of edible food by food retailers. But point eight on the prioritization list is also interesting.
Here, the 160 members of the Citizens' Assembly from 62 municipalities from all federal states agreed to recommend an age limit for energy drinks. This should be "at least 16 years". But even this could possibly be corrected upwards. It goes on to say: "After review by an independent scientific advisory board, the age limit should be increased to 18 years if recommended."
In addition, clearly visible warnings on the front of the products are recommended to indicate the health risks of the ingredients. The Citizens' Assembly has in mind age checks "in all sales outlets, including online retail". Energy drinks may only be sold in vending machines if they can ensure compliance with the age limit.
Video: Red Bull, coffee and cola – this is how much caffeine is in the stimulants
Citizens' Assembly on Age Limit for Energy Drinks: Similar Addictive Potential to Alcohol
The Citizens' Assembly considers the damage to health and the potential for addiction to be as serious as with cigarettes and alcohol. "The argument in favour of an age limit from 16 years is that wine and beer are also permitted from the age of 16 and a higher age limit is therefore more difficult to justify," the panel notes.
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However, it is also emphasized: "Since the development of the brain is not yet complete until the age of 18, an increase in the age limit to 18 years should be scientifically examined." Ingredients are mentioned "such as caffeine and taurine, which have negative effects on the mental and physical development of a child or adolescent in interaction and dosage". In the vote in the Citizens' Assembly, almost four-fifths of the members supported the motion.
Energy drinks in Germany: Consumer advice centre calls for ban on sales to minors
Previously, the consumer advice centre had called for "a ban on the sale to minors of all soft drinks with an increased caffeine content (over 150 milligrams per litre)". In addition to energy drinks, this would also include some cola drinks.
In addition, a warning "increased caffeine content" is completely inadequate. This should be supplemented by a reference to "side effects in combination with alcohol and physical exertion". The warning "Not suitable for children and pregnant or breastfeeding women" is also not sufficient.
Consuming energy drinks: Too much caffeine can lead to sleep disorders
The Federal Center for Nutrition also warns: "Energy drinks contain a high dose of caffeine, often other stimulants and often a lot of sugar. Therefore, they are not recommended, especially for children."
The caffeine content is "32 milligrams per 100 milliliters, more than twice as high as in commercially available cola drinks." It is true that caffeine in the right dosage promotes vigilance and attention, which the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has already established. However, if it is consumed in larger quantities, "symptoms such as sleep disturbances or general behavioral changes may occur."
More news about energy drinks: Consequences of consumption and a positive active ingredient
A doctor warns of diabetes and cardiovascular disease as a result of excessive energy drink consumption. However, one active ingredient is said to prolong life. As a result of a funny Edeka poster, a discussion about energy drinks arises. (mg)