Caffeine and Sugar-Packed Energy Drinks Can’t Carry ‘Alertness’ or ‘Concentration’ Claims as European Parliament Vetoes Proposal

The plan is now dead in the water, but whether the European Commission comes back with a modified proposal, remains to be seen.

 

Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, European Parliament spokesman Chatain Baptiste explains that the proposal was dismissed late last week.

 

“The proposal has fallen because it was a binding veto by the European Parliament so it cannot be concluded,” he says.

 

“Now it is in the hands of the European Commission whether they want to propose something else or not, or whether they want to wait and possibly publish a modified proposal, it is up to them.”

 

“But the proposal that was tabled is now dead.”

 

“As of yet, the Commission has not reacted to the objection. It cannot be adopted because obviously it’s blocked but whether they would like to follow up with another proposal that takes into account key concerns, remains to be seen.”

 

Displaying the claims of ‘alertness’ and ‘concentration’ on drink cans and packaging would have led to higher sugar consumption amongst adolescents, who are the largest group of energy drink consumers, said MEPs in their resolution.

 

According to MEPs, a 250ml can of energy drink can contain up to 27g of sugar and 80mg of caffeine.

 

“From statistics we know that many young people and even children are drinking a lot of these energy drinks. So it’s not just the caffeine, it’s also that energy drinks contain a lot sugar too. And we don’t think that these sorts of drinks should have any kind of health claims put on them,” says MEP Christel Schaldemose.

 

“We’re not going to say that adults should not drink coffee or energy drinks. We just don’t want (to help) companies to earn a lot of money on a health claim that we think is not suited for young kids.”

 

The motion to veto the new claims was approved by a show of hands.

 

Responding to the EU veto, the Union of EU Soft Drinks Association, UNESDA, sent a statement to www.foodingredientsfirst.com.

 

“The Commission proposal aimed to establish a legal framework across Europe for caffeine claims, providing protection for consumers, with a particular focus on children and adolescents, as well as legal certainty for business,” says a UNESDA spokeswoman.

 

“This vote, however, results in the use of caffeine claims being left unlegislated at European level.”

 

“It is particularly regrettable as the Parliament also goes against the clear advice of the European Food Safety Authority acting in its role as the European Union’s source of expertise on food safety.”

 

“The proposal was based on long-standing scientific evidence, including the comprehensive 2015 Scientific Opinion by EFSA confirming the safety of caffeine from all sources. Its adoption would have ended long years of legal uncertainty, by providing a clear regulatory framework for industry and bringing reassurance and clarity for consumers.”