PM Theresa May’s bold move to ban all energy drinks (EDS) to children is a welcome step to reduce the epidemic of obesity among children, we top the obesity chart in EU. Energy drinks with high level of sugar; in fact it has three times more sugar and caffeine than soft drinks like cola. It is also linked with tooth decay and bad behaviours, especially in schools, as a tiny number of children drink it even before breakfast.
The “Consultation Paper” will gauge and seek public opinion regarding at what age the ban should apply, at 16 or 18. Although most supermarkets voluntarily ban sell of such drinks to children, most popular being Red Bull and Monster Energy, small shops, newsagents and such outlets have no calm in selling energy drinks to minors, as they are not breaking any laws. Moreover it is a struggle for corner shops to survive, mainly due to supermarkets entering their domain with small outlets, as well as most petrol stations selling fast moving daily use items, in direct competition with corner shops.
Such drinks are also widely available from vending machines where any one can buy EDS without supervision, so often such vending machines located in gymnasiums. The ban will include such vending machines as well. Moreover so often these drinks are cheaper than most soft drinks and they are habit forming, addictive. The insatiable demand of EDS topped £2 billion in 2016. So there would be stiff opposition from the industry, as many believe we are going over the top, becoming an unhealthy “Nany State”.
If EDS are consumed by adults within limit, it does have many benefits, especially when recovering from debilitating illnesses. Lucozade, then known as Glucozade, was launched way back in 1927 to help sick people recuperate and is still as popular as ever, especially among sports personalities.
It is encouraging to note that our politicians who were once indifferent to such health issues, are now having courage of their convictions and able and willing to act, as they know that the scourge of obesity among children will endanger the health of entire nation, with under-funded NHS becoming a scapegoat!
Kumudini Valambia
By email
