Govt to restrict the usage of caffeine in energy drinks

New Delhi, Aug 13: The government from now onwards, would limit the usage of caffeine in energy drinks and non-carbonated beverages made or sold in the country.

According to an expert group of scientists from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), there should be a fixation of the levels of caffeine in energy drinks. As of now there are no such prescribed limits of caffeine for energy drinks. However, under the FSSAI guidelines, use of caffeine cannot exceed 145 mg/litre in carbonated water such as soft drinks.

The group of scientists submitted a detailed report after examining scientific literature and global position on use of caffeine and non-carbonated beverages and their labelling. Its recommendations also suggested suitable safety measures and products standards of energy drinks.

However, during a meeting in parliament on the safety of energy drinks and caffeine levels, health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said that another panel has said there was no evidence of health implication on consumption of the drinks. Therefore, they did not recommend a ban on energy drinks.

OneIndia News