Energy Drinks Unsafe Warns Food Safety Authority

Energy drinks and energy shots containing caffeine are not safe for children and teenagers, the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) has warned.

NZFSA public health principal advisor Donald Campbell said too much consumption could lead to effects such as dizziness, rapid heartbeat, irritability, anxiety, tremors and insomnia, reports foodweek.com.au.

A single shot of espresso coffee has around 80mg of caffeine and a cafe latte 99mg, while energy shots can have twice this level or more.

NZFSA’s risk profile indicates that temporary adverse effects can occur in some people when they consume about 3mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight a day.

Energy drinks sold under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code must carry an advisory statement that the product contains caffeine and is not recommended for children, lactating women or individuals sensitive to caffeine.