AQW 50869/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 03/09/2026
Answered On Date: 27/09/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail any discussions he has had with Executive colleagues in relation to banning or restricting the sale of energy drinks to under 16s, given a similar commitment was made by the UK Government to apply to England.

Answer:

Food information legislation requires specific labelling for high caffeine drinks and foods where caffeine has been added for a physiological effect. Based on current scientific opinions on the safety of caffeine, the FSA advises that children, or other people sensitive to caffeine, should only consume caffeine in moderation.

It is noted that the UK government have made a commitment to ban or restrict the sale of energy drinks. At this time my Department has no plans to introduce a ban on energy drinks.