The country of Lithuania has just voted on the ban of selling energy drinks to minors. It is the first country to have made such a move to protect its youth. It is a move that will likely have governments around the world contemplating their own legislature concerning highly caffeinated beverages. Almantas Kranauskas, a Lithuanian Health Ministry official, stated “We hope that some countries of the EU that don’t have a clear position will follow the Lithuanian way.”
There is an absolute trend that those belonging to the lower age demographics turn to the energy filled concoctions on a regular basis. According to a study conducted by the European Food Safety Authority, 68% of children age 10 to 18 drink the beverages on at least a semi regular basis. Such high levels of caffeine, sugar, and other concentrated chemicals will limit development in such young minds and bodies.
The U.K. will soon requires warning labels on cans with more than 150 milligrams of caffeine per liter. German consumer watch groups have also called for tighter restrictions, though nothing has been done. The U.S. has had it fair share of energy drink controversy as well. There have been several lawsuits claiming energy drinks such as Monster are responsible for people’s deaths. At least one such lawsuit was that of the death of a teenager filed by his mother.
There probably should be greater control over energy drinks, especially when it involves children. Warning labels might help and prohibiting the sale to minors could make a difference. Ultimately though, everyone is responsible for themselves. A can or two every few months will not most likely lead to a shorter life. Drinking 5 cans a day probably will. The key to life is moderation and self control. Even if it might be hard to do sometimes.
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