NZ supermarket Countdown has announced it will bring in an age restriction for buying energy drinks.
From early September, people will need to be 16 or older to buy them.
Countdown said it was introducing the age restriction due to the high levels of sugar and caffeine in these drinks.
Energy drinks are not recommended for young people and already carried warnings on packaging.
The new move has had widespread support from health professionals throughout New Zealand. Many suggesting the government should bring in tighter rules.
However, the New Zealand Beverage Council, a group representing drink manufacturers, said it was disappointed at Countdown’s decision.
They said that said energy drinks were fit to consume in moderation, and the restriction could make children crave them more.
They also said that research from Food Standards Australia and New Zealand shows that energy drinks contribute less than three percent of the overall caffeine intake of young people aged between nine and 15.
They argued energy drinks contained no more sugar than a wide range of other products.
19 Responses
hi this is sad
I think that they have made a good decision. Currently, I have written a speech about why energy drinks are bad, and they are correct. The beverage council obviously don’t know what they are talking about because if they sell them drinks, the kids could get really sick and even die. Yes, you can die from energy drinks. Monster and Red Bull mainly. So good on Countdown.
that is a smart idea
so sad
Good
What is the point about energy drinks anyway?
Nuuu, I get energy drinks are bad for kids but still it’s saddd
they are doing the right thing
good job
This is true because some kids might be very very very crazy if they drink to much caffeine and eat to much sugar
good on them
Trash
Countdown is going to make less money if they put an age restriction on energy drinks.
Countdown is going to make less money if they put an age restriction on energy drinks.
Good on countdown
go countdown. nice decision.
I don’t even like energy drinks anyway.
okay
i agree