Jamie Oliver has expressed support for the UK Government’s decision to ban the sale of energy drinks to children in England. The renowned chef collaborated with the Mirror in advocating for restrictions on the availability of high-caffeine beverages to minors due to reported negative effects. Concerns raised by teachers highlighted instances of children as young as six consuming energy drinks, leading to health issues and disruptive behavior in classrooms.
Oliver emphasized the importance of a robust ban, emphasizing the harmful nature of energy drinks marketed towards children. He welcomed the government’s initiative after years of campaigning for such restrictions to protect the well-being of young individuals.
Statistics reveal that a significant portion of UK children consume caffeinated energy drinks weekly, with a preference among boys for brands like Prime Energy, Monster, and Rockstar. The proposed ban, subject to public consultation, aims to prohibit energy drinks with over 150mg of caffeine per liter from all retail outlets, including online platforms, stores, eateries, cafes, and vending machines. The restriction excludes beverages with lower caffeine content, as well as tea and coffee.
The planned ban aligns with a key pledge in the Labour Party’s manifesto and is projected to combat obesity in thousands of children. While major supermarkets ceased selling energy drinks to under-16s following earlier safety concerns raised by the Mirror, worries persist about the accessibility of these drinks in local shops near schools.
Research indicates that high-caffeine and high-sugar beverages can negatively impact students’ performance and behavior in educational settings. Collaborative efforts between the Mirror and Jamie Oliver have shed light on the adverse effects of these drinks on children, including sleep disturbances, heightened anxiety, reduced focus, and academic setbacks.
Lauren Morley, an advocate for food activism group Sustain from Worthing, East Sussex, shared her observations as a parent and educator regarding the detrimental effects of energy drinks on young individuals. She detailed instances of panic attacks, anxiety, and reduced focus in students, urging for tighter regulations on the sale of high-caffeine drinks to minors to safeguard their well-being.
