As we reported, KDNP representatives have proposed proposed the banning of the sale of energy drinks to individuals under the age of 18. The Justice Ministry has now published a draft decree on its website that would regulate the issue. A public social consultation has also commenced about the proposal, with anyone able to submit their opinion until 20 July by sending it to the ministry by mail.
A draft decree entitled Amendment of Government Decree 210/2009 (IX. 29.) on the Conditions for Conducting Commercial Activities in Relation to the Protection of the Health of Children and Adolescents has been published on the website of the Ministry of Justice.
This would stipulate that energy drinks falling under the customs tariff numbers 2009 or 2202 and containing at least 15 milligrams per 100 millilitres of any compound from the methylxanthines group, or containing methylxanthine and ginseng, L-arginine, inositol, glucuronolactone, or taurine shall not be sold or served to individuals under the age of eighteen.
The impact assessment of the draft states that a total of 565 reports of events related to energy drink consumption-induced health conditions and unpleasant symptoms were received by the National Public Health and Pharmaceutical Centre–and its predecessor–during the period examined, between 1 November 2011 to 13 October 2023. Of the reported incidents, 26 per cent involved girls and 74 per cent involved boys. The quantity of energy drink consumed per person varied between 1 decilitre and 2.5 litres. In 21.5 per cent of cases (97 incidents), the energy drink was consumed with alcohol.
Based on the data, it was found that 74 per cent (333 individuals) of the 450 individuals affected by symptoms and illnesses were young people under the age of 18. Attention was also drawn to the symptoms associated with energy drink consumption: dizziness, fainting, vomiting, nausea, rapid heartbeat, tremors, numbness in the left hand, high blood pressure, headache, chest pain, restlessness. The harmful effects listed include: caffeine overdose, late miscarriage in pregnant women, low birth weight, stillbirth, negative impacts on the nervous system and cardiovascular system in children and adolescents, and the development of addiction.
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