Spain will ban the sale of energy drinks to children under 16

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs in Spain will ban the sale of energy drinks to minors under 16. This was announced by the head of the ministry, Pablo Bustinduy. Previously, some of Spain’s autonomous communities introduced their own bans on selling energy drinks to children.

In addition, the country will introduce a ban on selling drinks with a high caffeine content (more than 32 mg per 100 ml) to anyone under 18.

The measure is part of a strategy to tackle unhealthy diets among children and teenagers. According to the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN), around 25% of respondents drink energy drinks on average twice a week, and almost half of consumers drink at least one can a day. At the same time, 47% regularly mix energy drinks with alcohol.

Experts warn that excessive caffeine can cause sleep disruption, changes in behaviour, anxiety and cardiovascular problems.

According to the same AESAN report, 9 out of 10 people in Spain support a ban on selling energy drinks to children under 16.

The country has already banned the sale of energy drinks in schools and secondary schools. A bill is also expected in the near future that will restrict the advertising of unhealthy products to children. “Companies in this sector have a duty not to promote the consumption of food and drink that jeopardise children’s right to health in our country,” Bustinduy stressed.