Energy drinks containing almost twice the maximum permitted levels of caffeine have been pulled from store shelves in a major crackdown on the beverages.
Around 700 drinks, including GFUEL, Bang and Rase, were seized from South Australian retailers after it was revealed they contained 300mg of caffeine in just 437ml, far exceeding the legal caffeine limit of 320mg per litre.
Health inspectors in South Africa have found 18 shops selling highly caffeinated drinks, with two receiving fines of $3,000, while 13 received warning letters.
Acting Chief Public Health Officer Chris Lease said Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has also issued eight detention orders on energy drink brands, according to The Advertiser.
“What those detention orders do is identify products that need to be intercepted at the border and they detain them at the border to prevent them from coming in,” he said.
Around 700 drinks, including GFUEL (pictured), were seized from retailers in South Australia.
Energy drinks including Bang (left) and Raze (right) contain 300mg of caffeine in just 437ml, which is well above the legal caffeine limit.
Mr Lease urged people to check the label for caffeine levels before buying energy drinks, according to The Guardian.
“We are working with retailers to educate them about the regulations and prevent these beverages from reaching shelves, and to issue penalties to repeat offenders,” he said.
South African Health Minister Chris Picton said the drinks were aimed at children “directly” with video game and cartoon characters on the packaging, according to The Advertiser.
“They have now been taken off the streets, particularly because of the impact they have on our children,” he said.
Such high levels of caffeine are said to increase the risk of palpitations, chest pain and shortness of breath.
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