Hundreds of potentially harmful energy drinks – some with caffeine levels the equivalent of nine cans of Coca-Cola – have been cleared off South Australian shop shelves as part of a crackdown on highly caffeinated drinks.
More than 700 products have been seized after more than 100 retailers were inspected as part of the blitz, with SA Health officials discovering 18 businesses selling non-complaint energy drink products.
Warning letters were issued to 13 businesses and two businesses received expiation notices, totalling $3000.
Under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, it is illegal to sell energy drinks which contain more than 320 mg/L of caffeine.
The most caffeinated energy drinks found were labelled GFUEL, Bang and Raze Energy which contained 300 milligrams of caffeine in each 473ml can. That is almost double the maximum permitted amount – equivalent to nine cans of Coca-Cola or three shots of coffee.
Other energy drinks found which exceeded regulations were branded C4, Ghost, Ryse Fuel, 3D and Redcon1, with products seized containing 200 milligrams of caffeine in 473ml cans.
Officials are also educating retailers, helping them recognise that drinks imported from overseas can have different levels of caffeine, even when the labels are near identical.
While there is no nationally recognised safe level of caffeine consumption, consuming large amounts can cause insomnia, anxiety and depression as well as cardiovascular issues, heartburn, ulcers, seizures and, in rare cases, even death.
The recommended maximum daily intake of caffeine for teenagers is three milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
For healthy adults, a daily total of 400mg and a maximum of 200mg in a single serving is generally considered safe, while people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not exceed 200mg a day.
Acting Chief Public Health Officer Dr Chris Lease said it could be tricky for consumers to know which drinks contained high levels of caffeine.
“Before you check out, check the label for the caffeine level,” Dr Lease said.
“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 said the Australian Department for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has put eight holding orders on various non-compliant energy drink brands.
UniSA Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences Program Director Dr Evangeline Mantzioris said caffeine was particularly problematic for young people as they had a limited ability to break down caffeine in their body.
“Higher caffeine levels can cause heart problems, as well as anxiety," Dr Mantzioris said.
"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."
