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In response to the November 18^th article "Health Minister takes aim at energy drinks, with and without alcohol", Refreshments Canada, which represents most of the non-alcoholic energy drinks currently sold in Canada, would like to offer the following perspective.  

We agree that energy drinks should be marketed responsibly. The Canadian regulatory context for energy drinks is already the most stringent in the world. 

In Canada, energy drinks are sold as Natural Health Products and are formulated, labeled and marketed in accordance with Health Canada's Natural Health Products Regulation. Energy drink labels also contain additional information on the use, recommended dosage, intended population, any cautions and lists of medicinal and non-medicinal ingredients. 

All energy drinks sold in Canada have quantitative declaration of caffeine from all sources (natural and synthetic) on their label.  Caffeine is one of the most studied ingredients on earth and is an ingredient that is recognized as safe by government authorities around the world. 

In Canada, by volume, most mainstream energy drinks have less caffeine than a cup of filter drip coffee (80 - 140 milligrams per energy drink vs. 179 milligrams per 237 ml cup of coffee).  There are a few products with higher levels but they fall within the caffeine levels of one to two cups of coffee.  These products advise (on label) to consume only one per day and are a small part of a small market. 

Energy drinks are intended for adults and it is clearly indicated on the label that they are not recommended for children 12 and under, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or people who are sensitive to caffeine.  Energy drinks labels also contain warnings not to mix with alcohol.  

As an industry we do agree that consumer education on the proper use and consumption of this unique product category is important.  It is for that reason that the industry has offered to partner with Health Canada on a consumer education campaign to better inform consumers.  Given that Health Canada estimates that 90% of Canadians' source of caffeine comes from coffee and tea products, this campaign does need to sensitize all Canadians to the sources of caffeine in their diets and to Health Canada's recommended intake levels of 400 mg per person per day and 2.5 mg per kg of body weight for children under the age of 12.

Refreshments Canada is the national industry association representing the broad spectrum of brands and companies that manufacture and distribute the majority of non-alcoholic liquid refreshment beverages consumed in Canada.

Justin Sherwood
President
Refreshments Canada

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