Danish health organizations call for 18-year limit on energy drinks

Several Danish health organizations are now calling for stricter rules for energy drinks. Among other things, they want the harmful drinks to be banned from sale to anyone under the age of 18.

– More and more countries are protecting children from energy drinks – we should do the same, Morten Grønbæk, CEO of the Center for Childhood Health, told Euronews.

– Children are under massive pressure from advertisers and influencers to drink these harmful soft drinks. Unfortunately, warnings and good intentions from the beverage industry have not been enough.

The Danish Consumer Council (Forbrugerrådet Tænk) and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (Fødevarestyrelsen) are making similar calls to stop the sale of caffeinated drinks to children under 16.

– The Danish food authorities have determined that energy drinks are not suitable for children because caffeine can affect their brains and bodies, says Karin Breck, Policy Manager at the Danish Consumer Council.

Warning labels have limited impact

They point out that energy drink consumption has been linked to higher levels of anxiety, stress and suicidal ideation in young people – thought to be partly due to the disruptive effects of caffeine and sugar on sleep and nervous system stimulation.

– Despite efforts to educate the public and introduce warning labels on products, these measures have not had the desired effect, says Breck.

Countries such as Latvia, Lithuania and Poland have already introduced age limits for the drinks – and the UK is considering similar legislation soon.

In Denmark, opinions on a legal age limit are divided. Proponents argue that young people need to be protected from harmful ingredients until they are old enough and able to make their own informed decisions – while opponents believe that personal freedom is being curtailed and that it is not the role of the state to legislate on what drinks should be consumed.