Punjab Food Authority bans word ‘energy’ for caffeinated drinks

LAHORE: Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has given eight months business adjustment time to energy drink manufacturers for adopting new labelling on their products as per instructions issued by the authority here Tuesday.

According to PFA’s notice served on manufacturers, use of word “energy drink” for caffeinated drinks has been completely banned as it has been termed misleading and deceitful on scientific and technical basis. The authority has directed to use word “stimulant” instead of “energy” and label products in Urdu and English language only.

PFA also directed to write “It is Highly Caffeinated Drink” on the products which fall in energy drink category. Companies are bound to mention on their products that energy drinks are not suitable for pregnant women and less than 12-year old children.

PFA has directed companies to use caffeine quantity in their products less than 200ppm or 200mg/l and avoid using pharmaceutical ingredients during the preparation of the beverages. The product should be Halal certified. Strict action as per the relevant provisions of PFA Act 2011 shall be initiated against violators after December 31.

It is important to note here that number of people use so-called energy drinks to get instant energy without knowing their adverse effects on human health. PFA has taken this step on recommendation of scientific panel which recommended new labelling regime on the basis of empirical data and social context. It is also important to add that caffeine level as well as labelling of energy drinks is strictly regulated all over the world.

PFA has already restricted sale of energy drinks in school canteens where all kind of caffeinated and cold drinks sale is completely prohibited. Recommendations are also being prepared to ban sale of energy drinks to under-age children.