UK: Waitrose introduces minimum age limit on high caffeine energy drinks
08 Jan 2018 --- High-end UK grocer Waitrose has introduced a new policy setting an age limit on sales of high caffeine energy drinks. From March, customers buying caffeinated energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per liter will be asked to prove they are over 16 years of age.
The move builds on existing industry efforts including labeling guidelines which require any high caffeine energy drink to include an advisory note to children.
A spokesperson for Waitrose tells FoodIngredientsFirst: “We want to sell these products in line with the labeling guidance. These drinks carry advice stating they're not recommended for children so we're acting on that guidance.”
Waitrose is currently the only UK supermarket to announce it will introduce a sales policy aligned with the guidance present on energy drink packaging and has been prompted to act following widespread concerns which have been raised about energy drinks being consumed by the under 16s.
Gavin Partington, Director General at the British Soft Drinks Association, explains how energy drinks and their ingredients have been deemed safe by regulatory authorities around the world.
“In 2010, we introduced a voluntary Code of Practice to support parents and consumers who want to make informed choices. In 2015, this was updated to include more stringent guidelines around marketing and promoting, including reference to in and around schools,” he said.
“Energy drinks are not marketed or promoted to under 16s and all beverages carry an advisory note stating: Not recommended to children.”
“Energy drink manufacturers have taken all possible steps to be clear about the suitability of energy drinks. Retailers, schools and parents all have a role to play in educating children about caffeine and sugar consumption from all sources.”
By Gaynor Selby
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