Govt plans survey on energy drinks

The state government is all set to conduct a survey on the energy drinks available in the market and their harmful effects on human health. An order banning the sale of such drinks in and around schools is expected to be issued this week. The move comes as part of the government initiative against drugs.

It is learnt that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will ban the sale of energy drinks in school canteens and at shops within 500 m radius of schools, to those under 18 years of age.

The Tribune had first reported that the government was considering to ban the sale of energy drinks to schoolchildren. Health Minster Dr Balbir Singh last month okayed the proposal to ban the sale of these highly addictive drinks to children under the age of 18.

The legal vetting of the order has been done.

Once the order is notified, Punjab will become the first state in the country to ban these drinks that contain three times the caffeine present in soft drinks.

Medical practitioners in the region have also been warning about the harmful effects of consuming such drinks.

The state Health Department will conduct a survey among schoolchildren and in canteens to check what kinds of energy drinks are available in the market.

“We will also check the caffeine content in these drinks and their effect on human health. A survey will also be conducted to check if schoolchildren are aware of the harmful effects of these drinks,” said Dr Sandeep Bhola, state nodal officer on drug de-addiction and rehabilitation.

Punjab