Reacting to the news that the UK government has launched a consultation to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under the age of 16, Professor Grant McIntyre, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh said:
“We are delighted that the Department of Health and Social Care has acknowledged the negative impacts of these drinks on children’s physical and mental health, sleep quality and educational outcomes.
“We are glad that the Government is looking to ban these drinks and that a consultation has been launched. Alongside the high doses of caffeine, which has been linked to an increase in anxiety amongst children. These drinks often contain high levels of sugar, as well as a lower pH level than other fizzy drinks resulting in significant enamel erosion. The combination of acidity and sugar results in frequent consumption and therefore significant dental damage.
“Currently, around 100,000 children consume at least one high-caffeine energy drink every day. The Government estimates that a ban on the sale of these drinks could prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children and could deliver health benefits worth tens of millions of pounds.
“We will be working with our Fellows and Members across the College to ensure that their views and expertise are articulated and listened to.”