Sainsbury’s announces ban on energy drink sales to under 16s

UK supermarket Sainsbury’s has become the latest UK retailer to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under 16s.

Sainsbury’s joins other UK supermarkets such as Aldi, Asda and Waitrose in introducing a ban on drinks which contain over 150mg of caffeine per litre.

The ban will come into effect from 1 March and will apply to all Sainsbury’s stores nationwide, as well as its online store.

Customers will be required to provide identification when purchasing these drinks.

Various consumer groups have lobbied supermarkets to introduce the ban, citing the high levels of sugar and caffeine contained in these drinks, which they claim can pose a health risk to children.

Teacher’s union NASUWT has also warned of the dangers high-caffeine drinks can pose, claiming that high caffeine levels can affect academic performance.

The union has also called for the UK government to commission an independent study into the effects of energy drinks on children, which it hopes will lead to the establishment of national guidelines on caffeine consumption for children.