28 April 2010
Soft drinks industry launches high caffeine code of
practice
The British Soft Drinks Association has today
published a code of practice covering the promotion of high
caffeine content drinks.
As the sector grows, the British Soft Drinks
Association has provided detailed guidelines to ensure consumers
have all information needed to make informed choices about
purchasing and enjoying high caffeine content soft drinks
safely.
The code of practice requires that all drinks
with a high caffeine content carry the additional labelling
statement “Not suitable for children, pregnant women and persons
sensitive to caffeine”. In addition, such drinks may not be
promoted or marketed to persons aged under 16.
Jill Ardagh, BSDA Director General, said:
“The guidelines published today show industry
strengthening its commitment to informing consumer choice about the
drinks that are suitable for children. Many adults enjoy
drinking high caffeine content soft drinks, but these drinks are
not manufactured for children, and it is responsible to say so on
the label.”
Ends
Notes to editors
1. The law requires high caffeine content soft
drinks to carry the statement “High in caffeine”: the code of
practice will add to that statement the words “Not suitable for
children, pregnant women and persons sensitive to caffeine”.
Drinks are defined as being high in caffeine if they contain more
than 150 mg of caffeine per litre. Such drinks contain
roughly the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee.
2. The code of practice will apply to energy
shots if they are marketed as soft drinks, but not to energy shots
that are categorised as food supplements. Food supplements carry
extensive labelling in their own right.
3. The full text of the code of practice can
be read online at
www.britishsoftdrinks.com/PDF/BSDA%20high%20caffeine%20content%20code%20of%20practice.pdf
4. Information for consumers and retailers
about the code of practice for high caffeine content soft drinks
may be found online at http://www.britishsoftdrinks.com/Default.aspx?page=712
5. For more information, please contact
Richard Laming, Media Director, BSDA, on 020 7400 3707 or 078 7965
4555.