Jamie Oliver has praised the UK Government’s decision to prohibit the sale of energy drinks to children in England. The renowned chef collaborated with the Mirror in advocating for restrictions on the sale of these high-caffeine beverages to minors due to reported negative effects. Teachers have expressed concerns to the Mirror, citing instances of children as young as six consuming energy drinks and highlighting the potential health and behavioral risks associated with them, including headaches, sleep issues, anorexia, and heart problems.
Jamie Oliver, a prominent figure in the campaign, has urged the Government to ensure that the proposed ban, currently undergoing public consultation, is stringent. He emphasized the deceptive marketing tactics of energy drinks targeting children and underscored the harmful nature of these beverages, asserting that they are unsuitable for young consumers. Oliver stressed the significance of implementing a comprehensive and effective ban to safeguard children’s well-being.
Statistics reveal that up to a third of children in the UK consume caffeinated energy drinks weekly, with a higher prevalence among boys. Brands such as Prime Energy, Monster, and Rockstar have gained popularity among young consumers. The proposed regulations, subject to consultation, aim to prohibit energy drinks with caffeine levels exceeding 150mg per liter from all retail outlets, including online stores, shops, eateries, cafes, and vending machines. The ban would not extend to lower-caffeine soft drinks, tea, or coffee.
The Government’s initiative aligns with a key pledge in the Labour Party’s manifesto and is projected to prevent obesity in around 40,000 children. While major supermarkets ceased selling energy drinks to under-16s following the Mirror’s campaign highlighting the risks, concerns persist over the accessibility of these beverages in corner shops near schools. Studies have demonstrated the adverse impact of high-caffeine, high-sugar drinks on students’ academic performance and behavior in educational settings.
Collaborating with Jamie Oliver, the Mirror has shed light on the detrimental effects of energy drinks on children, including disrupted sleep, heightened anxiety, diminished focus, and poorer educational outcomes. Lauren Morley, an advocate for the food advocacy group Sustain from Worthing, East Sussex, shared her firsthand experiences witnessing the harm caused by these drinks, particularly in schools. As a parent and educator, Morley emphasized the negative consequences on students’ mental and physical well-being, supporting the Department of Health and Social Care’s consultation on restricting the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children.