Energy drink sales to under-16s could be banned in Scotland
Around a third of children say they regularly drink them.
Last updated 30th Oct 2019
Children could be banned from buying energy drinks such as Red Bull and Monster in Scotland.
Research suggests up to a third of young people consume energy drinks frequently, or in large amounts.
Problems associated with the high-caffeine drinks include sleep issues, headaches, stomachaches and tooth decay.
Scotland's Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick voiced his concerns about the health risks posed to children by energy drinks and announced a three-month consultation to gather views about the policy.
He said, "Sleep is particularly important for the health and wellbeing of adolescents and poor sleep can negatively affect physical and mental health, as well as educational attainment.
"We want to take proportionate action to reduce the health risks associated with young people consuming energy drinks with artificially high levels of caffeine."
Energy drink sales to children have been banned in England and Wales after a UK Government consultation found 93% of respondents said businesses should be banned from selling them to under-16s.
The European Food Safety Authority recommends caffeine consumption by young people is limited to 3 milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight per day.
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