Energydrinks: Warning About Targeted Advertising to Children

Foodwatch accuses energy drink manufacturers of deliberately marketing unhealthy products to minors. "Red Bull, Monster & Co. specifically target children and teenagers by showcasing their products with young social media influencers or through sports sponsorship," explained Rebeka Siegmann of Foodwatch on Wednesday. The activists renewed their demand for an age restriction on sales.

Influencers make energy drinks appealing to young people through videos on online networks, criticized Foodwatch during the release of their report titled "First Wings, Then Heart Palpitations." According to them, major manufacturers also act as sponsors of sporting events or run their own "fan clubs for children." Meanwhile, doctors warned about the health consequences of energy drinks. "High consumption can lead to heart rhythm disturbances, anxiety, and concentration problems," explained Foodwatch. There are particular risks when combined with alcohol or sports.

"Absolutely Irresponsible"

"It is absolutely irresponsible for manufacturers to try by all means to bind children to their brands - and with a product that can have serious health consequences," said Miriam Maurer, a campaigner at Foodwatch Austria. "Advertising for energy drinks is specifically placed where children and teenagers spend their free time: online, in sports clubs, in classrooms. We must not allow this any longer."

According to preliminary figures from a survey by the University Hospital Munich, children start consuming energy drinks at "about nine years old," with more than one in four minors drinking them regularly, explained Foodwatch. About ten percent reportedly also enjoy consuming them during sports.

Energy Drinks: Age Restrictions in Some European Countries, Not in Austria

In several European countries, there is already an age restriction on energy drinks, including Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland. Austria has so far remained inactive in this regard, criticized Foodwatch. Although the Ministry of Health advocated for a minimum age of 18 in November 2024, it simultaneously pointed to the competence of the state governments. "Since then, there has been radio silence on this topic - and children's health risks falling through the cracks in the competence tussle between the federal and state governments," said Miriam Maurer.

The importance of this issue to people living in Austria is demonstrated by the large number of supporters who have already signed Foodwatch's petition for a sales ban on energy drinks to minors. "With our petition, we are demanding a urgently needed legal minimum age of 18. Every signature helps build political pressure and finally implement this important protective measure," explains Miriam Maurer further.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.