Hundreds of energy drinks found to exceed permissible caffeine levels have been removed from shelves across South Australia in a significant operation by the State Government. This initiative, part of a broader crackdown on highly caffeinated beverages, targeted more than 100 retailers and resulted in 700 product seizures.
These efforts highlighted several beverages with caffeine contents nearly twice the legal limit, as stipulated by the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, which prohibits sale of energy drinks containing more than 320 mg/L of caffeine. Among the most caffeinated products identified were brands such as GFUEL, Bang, and Raze Energy, with each 473ml can containing approximately 300 milligrams of caffeine – an amount equivalent to about nine cans of Coca-Cola or three shots of espresso.
SA Health officials further identified 18 businesses selling these non-compliant products. Consequent enforcement actions included13 warning letters and two expiation notices, which cumulatively amounted to $3,000 in fines.
Besides these brands, other products exceeding caffeine limits were found under labels such as C4, Ghost, Ryse Fuel, 3D, and Redcon1. While some offerings from these brands adhere to regulatory standards, multiple variants breached the caffeine threshold set for consumer safety.
The state government’s intervention extends beyond enforcement. Efforts are being undertaken to educate retailers about the importance of compliance, especially for drinks imported from overseas, which may differ in caffeine content even if their packaging appears similar.
Health risks associated with excessive caffeine intake include insomnia, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular issues, heartburn, ulcers, seizures, and on rare occasions, death. Specific attention is drawn towards the vulnerability of teenagers to such health risks, with recommended maximum daily caffeine intake capped at three milligrams per kilogram of body weight for this age group. Healthy adults should not exceed a total of 400mg per day, and not more than 200mg in a single serving. The limits further reduce for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, with a guiding figure of no more than 200mg of caffeine a day.
Acting Chief Public Health Officer, Dr Chris Lease, emphasised the importance of vigilance among consumers. “When you see these products alongside other energy drinks, it’s tricky to tell which ones contain excessive amounts of caffeine without looking closely at the label,” he said.
This operation also sees collaboration at the national level, with the Australian Department for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry issuing holding orders on various non-compliant energy drink brands to curb their entrance into the Australian market as imported goods. Continued communications with interstate counterparts aim to ensure that energy drink products across the board conform to the Food Standards Code.
The operation highlights the potential hazards of high caffeine content in energy drinks, particularly its impact on younger users. UniSA Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences Program Director, Dr Evangeline Mantzioris said “Caffeine is problematic for young people, as they have limited ability to break down caffeine in their body under the age of 18,” she explained.
The State Government stresses that it is crucial for businesses to avoid the import and sale of non-compliant products initially, rather than relying on post-market interventions. Meanwhile, consumers remain advised to remain diligent, always checking product labels for caffeine content to make informed choices about their purchases.
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