Hungary may ban sale of energy drinks to under-18s in the spring

István Hollik pointed out that since they submitted their bill to ban energy drinks for under-18s, many parents have contacted them. Parents' stories and strong pleas have confirmed the need to persevere despite all the nagging, he said.

According to Lőrinc Nacsa, the European Union has also approved the regulation, thus removing all obstacles to a vote in the Parliament's spring session, which is about to begin.

In July, the government launched a public consultation on its draft proposal to ban the sale or supply of energy drinks to under-18s. The restrictions on energy drinks would apply to products containing 15 mg or more of methylxanthines per 100 ml, or containing methylxanthines and other specific ingredients.

According to the bill, the following could be added to the list:

• ginseng,
• L-arginine,
• inositol,
• glucuronolactone,
• taurine.

Violations of the ban are subject to severe penalties.

• They may prohibit the marketing of alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, tobacco products or sexual products for up to one year from the date of detection of the offence.
• In the event of a repeat offence within 3 years, the relevant authority may order the temporary closure of the offending establishment for a maximum period of 30 days.

According to the rationale, the consumption of energy drinks among young people in Hungary has reached alarming levels. According to an unnamed survey,

78% of them consume energy drinks and one in five children aged 10-14 regularly drink energy drinks for breakfast.

Since November 1, 2011, the National Centre for Public Health and Pharmaceuticals (NNGYK) has received nearly 500 reports of incidents, illnesses, and unpleasant symptoms related to the consumption of energy drinks.

26% of reported incidents involved girls and 74% involved boys.

Based on the data it was established that 74% of those affected by symptoms and illnesses were young people under the age of 18, and most of them were in the 15-16 age group. The amount of energy drink consumed varied between 1 decilitre and 2.5 litres per person. 22% of energy drinks were consumed together with alcohol.

As early as October 2023, Hollik and Nacsa proposed that the legislature look into the impact of energy drinks on children, and the Bill was originally submitted in April 2024.