WORSE THAN COKE? –
July 25, 2024 – Energy drinks with as much caffeine as nine cans of Coca-Cola have been removed from store shelves in a major crackdown blitz About 700 drinks were seized from South Australian retailers after it was revealed they contained as much caffeine as nine cans of Coca-Cola or three shots of coffee, nearly doubling the legal caffeine limit of 320mg per liter. Large amounts of caffeine can cause insomnia, anxiety and depression as well as cardiovascular issues, heartburn, ulcers, seizures, and in rare cases, death.
SA Health inspectors found 18 stores were selling the highly caffeinated drinks, with two businesses fined $1966.33 ($3,000 AUD) while 13 were issued warning letters.
Acting chief public health officer Chris Lease said they are working with retailers to educate them on the regulations.
“Often, these drinks are imported from overseas and retailers do not realize that they do not comply with our regulations,” he 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.”
