South Australia’s government has removed hundreds of energy drinks from shelves after a crackdown on beverages containing excessive caffeine.
The state’s health officials found 18 businesses selling non-compliant energy drink products. Thirteen businesses received warning letters; two received expiation notices totalling $3,000 (US$1,986).
Under Australian law, drinks containing more than 320 mg/L of caffeine must not be sold.
Some drinks from GFUEL, Bang, and Raze Energy contained 300 mg of caffeine in each 473 ml can, more than twice the legal amount—equal to nine cans of Coca-Cola or three shots of coffee.
Acting Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Chris Lease said anyone consuming energy drinks should check the label carefully.
“We’re working with retailers to educate them on the regulations and stop these drinks from making their way onto shelves and issuing penalties to repeat offenders,” he said.
“Often, these drinks are imported from overseas, and retailers do not realise they do not comply with our regulations.
“In an effort to reduce the ability for these products to enter Australia as imported foods, the Australian Department for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has put eight holding orders on various non-compliant energy drink brands.”
Dr. Lease encouraged counterparts in other states to also crack down on non-compliant drinks.
Consuming excessive caffeine can result in insomnia, anxiety, depression, heart issues, heartburn, ulcers, seizures and even death. Teenagers are at high risk and should not consume more than three milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
Healthy adults should consume no more than 200 mg in a single drink and no more than 400 mg daily.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not exceed 200 mg daily.
University of South Australia food and science expert Evangeline Matzioris said caffeine was such a concern among young people because their bodies had trouble breaking it down until the age of 18.
“Because of their limited ability to break down caffeine, young people will have caffeine stay in their bodies longer,” she said.
“Higher caffeine levels can cause heart problems, as well as anxiety.
“It increases their risk of heart palpitations, chest pains, shortness of breath and also of fainting.
“It is of particular concern for young people who have underlying heart problems which have not yet been diagnosed.”
Dr. Mantzioris said milk and water were the best alternatives to sweetened or caffeinated drinks.
“Caffeine is also a problem for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as the caffeine crosses the placenta and also gets into the breastmilk,” she said.
“Of course, unborn babies and babies have even more limited ability to break down caffeine.”
There is no accepted safe level of caffeine consumption.
