Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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148. To ask the Minister for Health his plans for addressing the serious health risks attached to the use of energy drinks; if the dangers or side effects have been brought to the attention of the HSE or his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31181/16]

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Energy drinks refer to non-alcoholic drinks containing high levels of caffeine and other nutrient which are perceived or actual stimulants like ginseng. Many contain high levels of added sugars. Because high caffeine drinks are not recommended for certain population groups, specific EU labelling requirements apply for beverages exceeding 150mg/l of caffeine. The labelling must specify that they have a high caffeine content, are not recommended for children, pregnant or breast-feeding women and must also state the caffeine content expressed per mg/100ml.

At the request of the Department of Health, Safefood published a review of energy drinks in Ireland in 2016. The review recommended an information awareness campaign for younger adults and a code of practice for retailers to avoid sales to children.

My department is working with the food industry, retailers and advertisers on a code of practice in relation to advertising, promotion and product placement of food and beverages.