Healthcare (Commonwealth Union) – Hundreds of potentially dangerous energy drinks—some with caffeine levels comparable to nine cans of Coca-Cola—have been removed from store shelves in the state of South Australia due to a crackdown on highly caffeinated beverages.
The SA government revealed that over 700 items were confiscated following inspections of more than 100 retailers, where SA Health officials found 18 businesses selling non-compliant energy drinks.
This has resulted in warning letters being sent to 13 businesses, and two businesses were fined a total of $3000.
According to the Code for Food Standards Australia New Zealand, selling energy drinks with more than 320 mg/L of caffeine is illegal.
The most caffeinated energy drinks discovered included the drinks GFUEL, Bang, and Raze Energy, each containing 300 milligrams of caffeine per 473ml can—nearly double the legal limit, equating to nine cans of Coca-Cola or three shots of coffee, as indicated by officials.
The other energy drinks exceeding the regulations included C4, Ghost, Ryse Fuel, 3D, and Redcon1, with products containing 200 milligrams of caffeine per 473ml can being seized.
The officials are in the process of also informing retailers, as well as providing assistance to them understand that beverages imported from other countries might have varying caffeine content, even if the labels appear almost identical.
They indicated that although there is not a nationally recognised safe caffeine consumption level, high intake can lead to insomnia, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular problems, heartburn, ulcers, seizures, and in rare instances, death.
When looking into how much energy drinks is unhealthy official made reccomendations.
For teenagers, the advised maximum daily caffeine intake is three milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
The indications for healthy adults, is the consumption of up to 400mg per day and a maximum of 200mg in a single dose is generally deemed safe, while pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should limit their intake to 200mg per day.
Acting Chief Public Health Officer Dr Chris Lease noted that it can be challenging for consumers to determine which drinks have high caffeine levels.
Dr Lease advised consumers prior to making the purchase you make to check the label for caffeine content.
“We’re working with retailers to educate them on the regulations and stop these drinks from making their way onto shelves, and issuing penalties to repeat offenders.
“Often, these drinks are imported from overseas and retailers do not realise that they do not comply with our regulations.
Dr. Lease mentioned that the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry has imposed eight holding orders on several energy drink brands that failed to comply with regulations.
Dr. Evangeline Mantzioris, Program Director of the Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences at the University of South Australia, pointed out that caffeine is especially concerning for young individuals due to their limited capacity to metabolize it.
Dr. Mantzioris further pointed out that elevated caffeine levels can lead to heart issues and anxiety issues.
“It increases their risk of heart palpitations, chest pains, shortness of breath and also of fainting. It is of particular concern for young people who have underlying heart problems which have not yet been diagnosed.”
The caffeine hazards have been known to lead to various health risks, affecting individuals in numerous ways. While moderate intake of caffeine is generally safe and even beneficial depending on the individual, consuming large amounts can have detrimental effects on one’s overall well-being. Understanding the potential dangers associated with excessive caffeine consumption is crucial in maintaining optimal health.
One of the most common health risks associated with excessive caffeine intake is sleep disturbances. Caffeine acts as a stimulant, increasing alertness and wakefulness. Consuming large amounts of caffeine, especially close to bedtime, can lead to insomnia, making it difficult to fall asleep or maintain restful sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation can result in fatigue, reduced cognitive function, and a weakened immune system.
