After dragging Maggi masala noodles off the shelves due to disputed findings about the presence of excessive lead in the fast food, the national food watchdog, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), may be looking to curb excessive caffeine in a variety of non-alcoholic beverages.
The FSSAI has geared up to collect data for a study on ‘Consumption Pattern of Caffeinated/Energy Drinks’ in India. Caffeinated beverages are classified as water-based non-alcoholic flavoured drinks and should contain not less than 145 mg per litre and not more than 320 mg per litre total caffeine from whatever sources it may be derived in the formulation of the product.
They are non-alcoholic beverages containing caffeine, guarana, glucuronolactone, taurine, ginseng, inositol, carnitinea, B-vitamins among others as main ingredients that act as stimulants.
Colas Under the Scanner?
- FSSAI intends to review caffeine standards proposed for caffeinated or energy drinks
- The watchdog will do a detailed study on the consumption pattern amongst the various target and consumer groups
- The study will also examine the preference of brand among cola and non-alcohol caffeinated beverages
- Advantages and disadvantages of consumption of these drinks would also be given due weight
Food Regulator Widens its Net
The FSSAI intends to review the caffeine standards proposed for the caffeinated or energy drinks after a detailed study on the consumption pattern amongst the various target and consumer groups, and any addictive behaviour and food safety issues associated with it.
Its target group for study includes teenagers and youngsters such as students, young professionals, managers and office goers between the age group of 15-45 years. The study would be gender neutral but ensure that female consumers are well represented.
The broad objective of the study is to understand the consumption pattern of caffeinated and energy drinks by generating information regarding the consumers using these drinks, the consumption pattern, the quantity of consumption among children, teenagers and young professionals, their attitude, preferences and buying behaviour.
The proposed study would also examine the preference of brand among cola and other non-alcohol caffeinated beverages and ascertain the specific reasons for picking up a particular brand. Amidst conflicting reports about the adverse impact of caffeinated non-alcohol beverages on human health, the FSSAI would collect information regarding any behavioural changes among consumers, their addictive tendencies and withdrawal symptoms, if any.
And advantages and disadvantages of consumption of these drinks would also be given due weight in taking a decision on regulating these beverages which had earlier faced massive criticism for concealing the ingredients used in their preparation.
In the Past, Lab Tests Have Ruled Out Toxic Content
There had been accusations of toxic contents in certain beverages but sustained laboratory tests allayed these apprehensions. But they have been directed by the Supreme Court to boldly specify various ingredients which are used in preparing the non-alcoholic beverages.
The FSSAI has decided to undertake the study to determine if their consumption causes any “incidence of sickness or fatality,” an exercise which has so far not been conducted anywhere.
There’s no denying that fact that consumption of caffeinated or energy drinks in India has shown an upward trend in the past decade resulting in what is also called “caffeinism” among a large number of consumers.
Some scientific reports on the adverse effects of excessive consumption of caffeine which is found in tea, coffee and soft drinks including energy drinks suggest that caffeine is added at levels of up to 80 mg per serve. The drinks usually have a number of added water-soluble vitamins such as, niacin, pathothenic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 and other substances, such as amino acids.
Past Studies Found Energy Drinks Increase Risk of Strokes
In August 2008, the Cardiovascular Research Centre at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in Australia conducted a study and found that energy drinks could increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks. It also said that even consuming a single can of the caffeinated energy drink Red Bull could cause the blood to become sticky, increasing the risk of clotting.
About 100 scientists and physicians headed by a neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, have also sent a petition to the US Food and Drug Administration pleading to strengthen energy drink regulations, as the high caffeine drinks could increase the risk of caffeine intoxication and alcohol-related injuries.
The petition has been necessitated as there’s a wide disparity in caffeine and alcohol content in the various brands of energy drinks. The FDA, however, lists caffeine as “multiple purpose, generally recognised as a safe food substance.”
The proposed study by FSSAI assumes importance in the wake of the emphasis by the BJP-led NDA government on introducing fruits juices in tetra packs and dairy products like the traditional butter milk. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September last year had told cola giants –Pepsi and Coca Cola—to add fruit juices in their fizzy drinks.
“Millions of people buy Pepsi and Coke. I have asked these companies if they can put five per cent natural juice in their drinks,” Modi had said and added that, “If they can, then our farmers will make a lot of money. Our farmers will not have to throw their fruit away.”
(The writer is a Delhi-based senior journalist)
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