After the Czech Republic set the minimum age for purchasing and consuming caffeinated energy drinks at 15, there are also discussions here. The Viennese Ministry of Health would be in favor of it in principle, but child protection is a state matter, they say…
The Czech Republic is seeking a general ban on the sale of energy drinks in schools, health facilities and children’s homes; in Lithuania the age limit is 18 years. Anyone who does not comply with this risks heavy fines. Latvia, Poland, Romania and Britain had also implemented a World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation in the past decade and introduced a sales ban for under-18s.
Petition calls for a ban on children
In Austria, the organization Foodwatch Austria has now started a petition calling for “no energy drinks for children”. This calls for a ban on sales to minors, including in this country. The petition currently has just over 4,000 signatures.
The Ministry of Health under the current Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens) is not against this in principle. “Given the problematic effects of energy drinks, the Ministry of Health is in favor of a minimum age of 18 years, as some EU countries have already introduced,” Salzburger Nachrichten was told.
However, there is no legal recourse as child protection is a matter for the states. Something similar was heard from the Youth State Secretariat. In the states it was said that only a national solution would be effective.
Young people often consume too high doses
In addition to sugar and artificial flavors, energy drinks mainly contain one thing: caffeine. Researchers and doctors repeatedly warn about the negative effects of too high a dose of the stimulant. Young people in particular often consume significantly more than the recommended daily amount in just one can.
According to the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety AGES, too much caffeine can have unwanted effects: there is a risk of shortness of breath, uncontrolled muscle tremors, severe nausea and anxiety.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
