Australia Bans Some Energy Drinks

SILVERWATER, New South Wales, AustraliaMore than three-quarters of energy drinks on sale in New South Wales may contain illegal levels of caffeine, and some of the drinks exceed the legal limit by more than 30 percent, according to a preliminary NSW Food Authority investigation.

The NSW Food Authority completed initial testing of 85 energy drinks, 70 of which are subject to current food laws, which limit the caffeine levels.

Five of the eight products that exceed the standard by more than 30 percent have been taken out of distribution in NSW, including "Fuel Cell" and "Cintron" products. Suppliers of the remaining three drinks that exceed the standard by more than 30 percent will be asked to justify their product being on the market. If they are unable to do so, further action may be taken including seizure of the product or they may be prosecuted.

Manufacturers of the other 46 products that exceed the standard by less than 30 percent will be required to inform the NSW Food Authority of the corrective action they intend to take to ensure their product meets legal requirements.

"Our investigations so far have revealed that 77 percent of energy drinks on sale exceed the legal caffeine content limit, Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald said. "I am concerned by the anecdotal reports of young people being adversely affected by these products, even though the available science suggests that they do not pose a serious health risk. The government is taking immediate action on this matter."