Portugal’s health authority, the Direção-Geral da Saúde (DGS), is considering a ban on the sale of energy drinks to minors following a growing debate across Europe on the health risks of these highly caffeinated beverages.
Speaking to weekly newspaper Expresso, DGS officials said they are closely monitoring developments in the UK, where authorities are looking at restricting sales to anyone under 16. If the UK move proves effective, Portugal may follow suit.
Sales of energy drinks in Portugal have surged nearly 50% in just two years. These beverages are known to be very detrimental to children and teenagers: a 500ml can contains as much caffeine as five 330ml cans of Coca-Cola. Nutritionists warn that their high sugar and caffeine content makes them unsuitable for children.
Paediatrician Margarida Alcafache told Expresso that restricting sales or limiting access “would help convey the idea of risk” to young people.
In the UK, Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting told the BBC Radio 4‘s Today programme the government had “been called upon” to act by parents, teachers and children.
“You can see the impact on the health, concentration and the learning, and that is why we are acting,” he told BBC Breakfast.
