In a recent crackdown in South Australia, hundreds of energy drinks exceeding caffeine safety limits have been seized, and two businesses have been fined. The initiative, launched last year in the lead-up to school exams, aims to remove these dangerous products from the market.
SA Health is actively working to disrupt the supply chains of these high-caffeine drinks, sharing information from local investigations with federal authorities to prevent shipments from entering the country. Over 700 drinks were confiscated, and 100 stores, including several convenience stores, were inspected. Of these, 18 outlets were found selling non-compliant drinks, and 13 received official warnings. Two businesses were fined a total of $3,000 for continuing to sell the drinks despite previous warnings.
Acting Chief Public Health Officer Chris Lease emphasised the importance of intercepting the supply chain, noting that one South Australian business was acting as a supplier. This has led to the identification and referral of suppliers in other states to local authorities.
According to Food Standards Australia New Zealand, the maximum permissible caffeine content in energy drinks is 320 milligrams per litre. However, some drinks found during the crackdown contained nearly double this amount, equivalent to nine cans of Coca-Cola or three shots of coffee. Health Minister Chris Picton highlighted that these products, often adorned with cartoon or video game characters, are clearly marketed towards children.
UniSA dietitian Evangeline Mantzioris warned that high caffeine levels pose significant health risks, particularly for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. Children have a limited ability to metabolise caffeine, increasing the risk of heart problems, anxiety, and insomnia. For pregnant women, caffeine can cross the placenta, affecting the developing fetus, which is even less capable of processing caffeine.
Minister Picton clarified that not all energy drinks breach national standards. The government has preferred an educational approach with retailers, acknowledging that some may not have been aware of the issues. However, he warned that businesses could face much higher penalties under the Food Act if they continue to violate the rules. He plans to discuss the matter further at an upcoming meeting of state food ministers.
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