The U.K. may ban sales of energy drinks to kids under 16. Many want the U.S. to do the same.

The United Kingdom’s Labour Party this week released an action plan that it says will create “the healthiest generation of children ever.”

The United Kingdom’s Labour Party this week released an action plan that it says will create “the healthiest generation of children ever.” Included in the 10-point plan is something public health advocates have long wanted in the United States: a ban on sales of highly caffeinated energy drinks to children under 16.

The Labour Party, which would implement its plan if it wins the U.K.’s general election next month, said the proposal would prohibit sales of energy drinks containing over 150 milligrams of caffeine per liter to kids. That means that soft drinks such as Coca-Cola, which typically has about 34 milligrams of caffeine per can, could still be purchased by those under 16 years old, while energy drinks such as Monster, which has 160 milligrams of caffeine in a 16-fluid-ounce can and often contains other stimulants, could not. 

Most supermarkets in the United Kingdom already abide by a voluntary ban on the sale of energy drinks to children under 16 and require an ID to purchase them.

If the U.K. passes a mandatory ban, it will join a number of countries that regulate energy drink sales, including Poland and Latvia. The U.S., meanwhile, has no such federal regulations — and has struggled to pass restrictions at the state level, too.

Energy drinks in a supermarket refrigerator in Cardiff, Wales.Matthew Horwood / Getty Images fileThe failed legislative attempts come as the energy drink market has exploded, with annual U.S. sales surging to nearly $22 billion as of mid-May, up from about $13.5 billion at the end of 2019, according to Circana, a Chicago-based market research firm. 

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/uk-may-ban-sales-energy-drinks-kids-16-many-want-us-rcna156723

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