Energy drink consumption is rising rapidly among children and young people in Gujarat and across the country. Driven by social media, sports promotions and flashy advertising, brands such as Sting, Red Bull and Monster have become increasingly popular among the youth. However, governments and health experts are now raising serious concerns over their health impact.
The Rajasthan government has banned the sale, marketing and storage of eight energy drink brands, including Red Bull and Sting, while Maharashtra has prohibited the sale of Sting within a 500-metre radius of schools. These developments have sparked debate over whether Gujarat should introduce similar restrictions.
Cardiologist Dr Jay Sanghvi said, “The high caffeine and sugar content in energy drinks can adversely affect the heart and metabolism, increasing the risk of heart-related complications.”
Addiction to energy drinks among youth is rapidly increasing, which can prove to be a risk for the heart.
FSSAI issues notices to 6 major energy drink brands
It is noteworthy that FSSAI sent notices to 6 major energy drink brands on July 1st. FSSAI’s notice includes big names like Red Bull, PepsiCo’s Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink, Reliance Consumer Products’ Campa Energy Drink Gold Boost, Sting Energy Drink, Hell Energy and Monster Energy associated with Coca-Cola.
The notice stated that companies are not presenting their products properly and are making claims in advertisements that may create misunderstanding among consumers.
Ban on 8 energy drinks in Rajasthan, over 5 lakh bottles seized
The Bhajanlal government of Rajasthan has conducted raids in more than 25 cities of the state and seized over 5 lakh bottles of energy drinks.
The investigation by the Food Safety and Drug Control Department revealed that some companies were portraying their products as “recharging” the body or providing “instant energy”, which may fall under the category of misleading claims as per FSSAI regulations.
The government has imposed a ban on the sale and storage of Sting, Red Bull, Hell Energy, Campa Energy, Monster Energy, After Shock, Tropicana Energy and Adrenaline Rush.
Maharashtra prepares to ban sales around schools
The Maharashtra government has decided to impose a ban on the sale of Sting energy drinks within a 500-meter radius of schools, keeping children’s health in mind.
The state government believes that the consumption of such beverages among students and teenagers is increasing alarmingly, which could prove dangerous for health in the long run. For this, the state government will soon announce special guidelines.
More caffeine and sugar in the name of ‘energy’!
FSSAI has also sent notices to some manufacturers regarding misleading marketing and unsubstantiated claims.
According to experts, “Most energy drinks available in the market have high amounts of elements like caffeine, sugar and taurine. These beverages provide a feeling of alertness or energy for a short while, but their regular and excessive consumption can have negative effects on the body.”
‘Energy drinks can increase heart-related risks’
According to cardiologist Dr. Jay Sanghvi, “The high amounts of caffeine and sugar present in energy drinks can have serious effects on the heart and body’s metabolism.”
He added, “Especially if a person lives in a stressful environment or has any other addiction, energy drinks can increase heart-related risks. Regular consumption of such beverages should be avoided without a doctor’s advice.”
‘Brief energy, then more fatigue’
Fitness expert Shivang Joshi stated, “Many people consume energy drinks before gym or workout, but it causes more harm than benefit to the body in the long run. Excessive consumption can also increase the risk of increased heartbeat, dehydration and weight gain.”
He believes that good sleep, balanced diet and regular exercise are the source of real energy, not the energy found in cans.
Addiction to energy drinks is increasing among youth to look “cool”
According to a young men named Rajvir, “Many youth of today’s generation consume energy drinks not to gain energy but to look ‘cool’ and follow trends on social media. However, after learning about the high amounts of caffeine and sugar, I myself have decided to stay away from such beverages and I am trying to spread awareness among my friends as well.”
Is there a need for regulation or ban in Gujarat too?
Governments in states like Rajasthan and Maharashtra have taken steps by prioritizing public health. In Gujarat too, the increasing consumption of energy drinks among children and youth is becoming a matter of concern.
Health experts believe that there is a need for at least control on the sale of such beverages around schools and colleges, awareness campaigns, and strict action against misleading advertisements.
‘Energy comes from lifestyle, not from energy drinks’
Do energy drinks actually provide energy to the body or do they just create excitement for a short time? After the steps taken by Rajasthan and Maharashtra, now the discussion on this issue has intensified in Gujarat as well. Health experts in this regard stated, “Energy comes not from cans, but from a good lifestyle.”
