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The Croatian Ministry of Health is drafting new legislation that would impose a comprehensive ban on the purchase and consumption of energy drinks for individuals under the age of 18. The proposed law aims to close existing regulatory gaps and establish a uniform standard across the country, as reported by the news portal Index.hr. While the sale of energy drinks to minors in retail stores has been prohibited in Croatia since June, the government is now seeking to extend these restrictions to the hospitality sector and address other potential loopholes. Health Minister Irena Hrstic emphasized that energy drinks pose significant health risks, particularly to the developing bodies of children and adolescents. According to the ministry, the high caffeine and sugar content, combined with other stimulants, can lead to cardiovascular and neurological complications. Data from the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) indicates that energy drink consumption is widespread among students, with some individuals reportedly consuming 750 milliliters or more in a single sitting. Under the proposed legislation, any beverage containing more than 150 milligrams of caffeine per liter would be classified as an energy drink, regardless of the caffeine source. Coffee, tea, and cocoa-based products would be exempt from this classification. To prevent manufacturers from circumventing the regulations, the ban would also apply to products with similar compositions or effects, including those sold in the form of powders, gels, sachets, or candies. Furthermore, the bill proposes strict limitations on advertising, prohibiting marketing campaigns aimed at minors and banning the promotion or placement of such products in schools and educational institutions. Schools would also be required to implement preventative programs to educate students on the health risks associated with stimulants. The draft legislation includes a provision for the HZJZ to maintain a national registry of all energy drinks and similar products. Manufacturers and distributors would be required to register their products, and the institute would be granted the authority to temporarily ban the sale of specific items immediately if they are found to pose a health risk. The Ministry of Health has initiated the drafting process, and the proposal is expected to be submitted to the government for review by the end of the year. Article source: Magyar Hirlap | Image credit: Magyar Hirlap
The Croatian Ministry of Health is drafting new legislation that would impose a comprehensive ban on the purchase and consumption of energy drinks for individuals under the age of 18. The proposed law aims to close existing regulatory gaps and establish a uniform standard across the country, as reported by the news portal Index.hr. While the sale of energy drinks to minors in retail stores has been prohibited in Croatia since June, the government is now seeking to extend these restrictions to the hospitality sector and address other potential loopholes. Health Minister Irena Hrstic emphasized that energy drinks pose significant health risks, particularly to the developing bodies of children and adolescents. According to the ministry, the high caffeine and sugar content, combined with other stimulants, can lead to cardiovascular and neurological complications. Data from the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) indicates that energy drink consumption is widespread among students, with some individuals reportedly consuming 750 milliliters or more in a single sitting. Under the proposed legislation, any beverage containing more than 150 milligrams of caffeine per liter would be classified as an energy drink, regardless of the caffeine source. Coffee, tea, and cocoa-based products would be exempt from this classification. To prevent manufacturers from circumventing the regulations, the ban would also apply to products with similar compositions or effects, including those sold in the form of powders, gels, sachets, or candies. Furthermore, the bill proposes strict limitations on advertising, prohibiting marketing campaigns aimed at minors and banning the promotion or placement of such products in schools and educational institutions. Schools would also be required to implement preventative programs to educate students on the health risks associated with stimulants. The draft legislation includes a provision for the HZJZ to maintain a national registry of all energy drinks and similar products. Manufacturers and distributors would be required to register their products, and the institute would be granted the authority to temporarily ban the sale of specific items immediately if they are found to pose a health risk. The Ministry of Health has initiated the drafting process, and the proposal is expected to be submitted to the government for review by the end of the year.
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