Energy Drink Sales to Minors Soon to Be Banned
Hungary is considering a ban on the sale of energy drinks to individuals under the age of 18. The initiative was taken by two Christian Democrat politicians, Lőrinc Nacsa and István Hollik, and a draft decree has already been published on the government website.
The proposed decree, titled “Amendment to Government Decree 210/2009 on the conditions for conducting commercial activities in connection with the protection of the health of children and minors,” targets non-alcoholic beverages that contain certain compounds like ginseng, L-arginine, inositol, glucuronolactone, and taurine. These beverages must also contain 15 milligrams or more per 100 milliliters of methylxanthines or a combination of methylxanthine and the specified substances.
The decision to introduce this ban comes after reports of 565 energy drink-related incidents, sickness, and adverse symptoms between November 1, 2011, and October 13, 2023. The data revealed that 74% of the 450 individuals affected by these incidents were under 18 years of age.
Symptoms associated with energy drink consumption included dizziness, fainting, vomiting, nausea, palpitations, tremors, numbness, high blood pressure, headache, chest pain, and restlessness. Adverse effects ranged from caffeine overdose to negative effects on the nervous and cardiovascular systems, addiction, late miscarriage in pregnant women, and low birth weight.
The proposed ban aims to protect minors from the potential health risks associated with consuming energy drinks. By restricting their access to these beverages, the authorities hope to prevent further incidents and safeguard the well-being of young individuals in Hungary.
