At the moment, energy drink labels must state that the beverage contains a high level of caffeine, but the proposal, made by the Danish food minister Henrik Høegh is for an EU-Wide requirement for stricter labelling.
EU label changes
The proposal, made on 7 Sept 2010 in Brussels, aims to deliver better information to children and parents about the drink’s caffeine content. Denmark would like the labels to be adopted by the whole of the EU so that the information can reach all consumers in Europe.
“We have insisted that the current warning level, which is high caffeine, is not adequate,” said Jens Therkel Jensen, deputy head of the nutrition division for the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA) which is part of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries in Denmark.
The proposal is pushing for the cautionary label on the drink’s containers to read: “Contains high level of caffeine. Adults should consume no more than 50 cl. a day. Persons under 18 no more than 25 cl a day. Not for children under 10. Should not be consumed when pregnant."
Jensen said that the finalising of a new warning wording was still to be discussed, telling BeverageDaily.com that this issue will be consulted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Increased popularity
The proposal forms part of ongoing negotiations for new regulations and food labeling in the EU, and has been prompted by the increased popularity of energy drinks in Denmark and other European countries.
“Since 1999, the market for energy drinks was quite different. It has developed a lot since then and has become more widespread. Today they are used a lot more by young people and children,” said Jensen.
Studies by the National Food Institute at the Technical University of Denmark, have concluded that children and young people consume too many energy drinks per day and have helped to form the basis of the new proposal.
In 2003, the Institute ran a study based on 10 to 18 year olds and their energy drink consumption. It was found that, depending on their bodyweight, children and young people should limit their caffeine intake from energy drinks and food supplements.