July 23rd 2024.
In a recent statewide crackdown in South Australia, hundreds of energy drinks containing illegal amounts of caffeine were seized. According to a release from Premier Peter Malinauskas' office, SA Health officials discovered 18 businesses selling these illegal drinks. As a result, warning letters were issued to 13 businesses, while two were fined a total of $3000.
The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code states that it is illegal to sell energy drinks with more than 320 milligrams of caffeine per litre. However, health authorities found several popular brands, such as GFUEL, Bang, and Raze Energy, containing 300 milligrams of caffeine in each 473ml can - almost double the legal limit. This is equivalent to nine cans of Coca-Cola or three shots of coffee, making it a concerning issue for public health.
In addition to these brands, other illicit energy drinks found were C4, Ghost, Ryse Fuel, 3D, and Redcon1. These products were seized for containing 200 milligrams of caffeine in each 473ml can. Health Minister Chris Picton expressed concern over the presence of these illegal drinks on store shelves, stating that they were clearly not approved and should not have been available for sale.
To prevent further distribution of these dangerous drinks, holding orders have been issued to intercept them at the border. This is a necessary measure, as excess caffeine consumption can lead to various health issues such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular problems. It can also cause heartburn, ulcers, seizures, and in rare cases, even death. The potential harm is especially high for young people, with the recommended maximum daily intake for teenagers being three milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
For healthy adults, a daily total of 400mg of caffeine is generally considered safe, with a maximum of 200mg in a single serving. However, for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, it is advised not to exceed 200mg per day. It is crucial for businesses to comply with these regulations to ensure the safety of their consumers.
In light of these findings, it is important for everyone to be aware of the potential risks associated with excessive caffeine intake. As we look forward to the upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024, it is also essential to prioritize our health and well-being. You can watch every moment and every medal of the Games live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now, with the added option of ad-free and 4K coverage on Stan Sport. Let's all stay safe and enjoy the Games responsibly.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
