Red Bull not an energy drink
caffeinated sugary drink deceives public
The Health Ministry last week said the popular beverage Red Bull was not an energy booster and was only a caffeinated sugar drink.
Consultant at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Hemantha Herath charged that the drink was deceptively marketed as an energy booster contradicting authority regulations,
He further said that the ministry is nonetheless keeping a close eye on the beverage, as it has stirred a sizable amount of controversy over the past few years.
Consultant at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Hemantha Herath charged that the drink was deceptively marketed as an energy booster contradicting authority regulations,
He further said that the ministry is nonetheless keeping a close eye on the beverage, as it has stirred a sizable amount of controversy over the past few years.
“Red Bull has obtained the Codex Alimentarius certification issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), which is one of the main criteria sought by the ministry prior to approving import of a certain food product to the country,” he explained.
However, he said, “apart from the illicit market practice, the beverage has not been recognized as unsuitable for consumption. Therefore unless proven with substantiation, the beverage will not be banned.”
However, he said, “apart from the illicit market practice, the beverage has not been recognized as unsuitable for consumption. Therefore unless proven with substantiation, the beverage will not be banned.”
Furthermore, Dr. Herath said that those countries that have already banned the drink might have done so, owing to policies adopted with regard to the content of caffeine in food and beverages consumed.
“Researchers attached to the ministry are closely analyzing both foreign and local sources on the matter. Although the authority has not acted strictly as yet, the relevant parties have been advised not to promote the beverage as an energy booster,” he noted.
“Researchers attached to the ministry are closely analyzing both foreign and local sources on the matter. Although the authority has not acted strictly as yet, the relevant parties have been advised not to promote the beverage as an energy booster,” he noted.
However, Red Bull continues to be marketed as an energy booster under the tagline ‘Red Bull Gives You Wings’.
Meanwhile, highly placed Health Ministry sources, speaking on grounds of anonymity, disclosed to The Nation that Red Bull was being marketed in Sri Lanka as a ‘Health Drink’ after approval from the Ayurveda Department of the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine.
Meanwhile, highly placed Health Ministry sources, speaking on grounds of anonymity, disclosed to The Nation that Red Bull was being marketed in Sri Lanka as a ‘Health Drink’ after approval from the Ayurveda Department of the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine.
Sources further disclosed it was the usual practice of distributors to obtain a permit from the Ayurveda Department when the Health Ministry rejects approval for a particular product. This is because the two ministries and their respective departments function independently. As such, the Health Ministry cannot interfere on decisions taken by a department of the Indigenous Medicine Ministry, they pointed out.
The Nation contacted the Department of Ayurveda to obtain its views on the controversy. However, we were told those authorized to speak to the media on the issue were not available.
Also, the attempts to contact officials from the Stassen Group of Companies (Pvt) Ltd., which distributes Red Bull in Sri Lanka, proved futile.
Also, the attempts to contact officials from the Stassen Group of Companies (Pvt) Ltd., which distributes Red Bull in Sri Lanka, proved futile.
The Nation first reported, on April 28, that concerns have been raised about some of the ingredients in the popular ‘energy drink’.
While Red Bull has not been declared unsuitable for consumption, The Journal of the American Medical Association cautions consumers about energy drinks, including Red Bull, citing health risks such as, increased heart rate, irregular heart rate and palpitations, increased blood pressure, sleep disturbances including insomnia, diuresis (increased urine production), and hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar) are related to all beverages with high sugar content. This can be harmful for individuals with diabetes or other metabolic health problems.
While Red Bull has not been declared unsuitable for consumption, The Journal of the American Medical Association cautions consumers about energy drinks, including Red Bull, citing health risks such as, increased heart rate, irregular heart rate and palpitations, increased blood pressure, sleep disturbances including insomnia, diuresis (increased urine production), and hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar) are related to all beverages with high sugar content. This can be harmful for individuals with diabetes or other metabolic health problems.
The Journal further cautions that adults should limit their caffeine intake to 500 mg per day. Individuals who have heart problems, high blood pressure, or trouble sleeping or who are taking medications should be careful to limit the amount of caffeine they consume. Older persons may be more sensitive to the effects of energy drinks. (The Nation newspaper)
Category: Foods, Local, Red Bull, Sri lanka news
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