Kathmandu:The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC), operating under the Ministry of Health and Food Safety, has issued a warning to children, expectant and lactating mothers, diabetics, and individuals sensitive to caffeine to avoid consuming energy drinks.
According to National News Agency RSS, the department has launched awareness efforts targeting consumers, producers, and other stakeholders regarding the safe consumption of energy drinks. It recommends that even those who can safely consume these beverages should limit their intake to no more than two cans per day.
Currently, 17 industries in Nepal are authorized to produce and distribute energy drinks. Analysis of product labels and laboratory reports reveals that each can of energy drink contains 100 milligrams of caffeine. Scientific evidence from organizations such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) suggests that healthy adults should consume no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine daily from all sources.
The department noted that the caffeine content in energy drinks produced in Nepal is less than 25 percent of this daily limit. It also urged against using energy drinks as substitutes for nutritious beverages like water, juice, milk, or buttermilk, and advised against mixing them with other drinks.
Producers and sellers are encouraged to advertise responsibly, ensuring necessary permissions are obtained as per prevailing laws, and to clearly communicate alert messages and safe consumption information on product labels. The department has warned that businesses violating the Food Hygiene and Quality Act, 2024 (BS 2081) will face penalties According to law.