Energy Drinks Must Display Warning

Doha, 8 Jumadal Awwal 1437/ 16 February 2016 (MINA) – The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has banned the sale of any energy drink in the market without the cautionary labels being prominently displayed on the packages.

The ministry said yesterday that the move comes as part of efforts to reduce the use of energy drinks particularly among the youth and also encourage the consumption of natural healthy alternatives.

Energy drinks have been proved to cause health problems according to reports released by competent authorities, said the ministry. The peninsullaqatar reported quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA).

The providers must display labels cautioning pregnant or nursing women, children under the age of 16, individuals with heart diseases and those allergic to caffeine as well as athletes (during exercise), against consuming energy drinks.

Cautionary labels should be clearly displayed in English and Arabic against a white background.

The cautionary text should be written in a distinctive colour from the rest of the product information.

All outlets selling energy drinks have also been asked to separate them from other products displayed on cooling shelves or in refrigerators

It is not permitted to sell any category of energy drink that does not fulfil the advertised specifications, said the ministry.

The ministry has asked all providers of energy drinks to strictly comply with these regulations in line with Qatar’s standards and specifications.

Those violating the rules will be banned from selling energy drinks in the market, warned the ministry.

The campaign comes as part of the ministry’s efforts to ensure compliance by stores and products with the consumer protection law with regard to the sale of products in accordance with standard specifications, said a statement.

The Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department at the ministry held several meetings with representatives of energy drink suppliers to ensure proper display of cautionary labels.(T/hna/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)