Canadian Beverage Association responds to new report regarding energy drinks

TORONTO, Sept.16, 2015 /CNW/ - In response to "Energy drinks, alcohol, sports and traumatic brain injuries among adolescents," a paper published today in the journal PLOS One, the Canadian Beverage Association issued the following statement:

The study published today cannot and does not show a causal link between energy drinks and adverse health outcomes. Energy drinks are non-alcoholic beverages which, in Canada, contain approximately half the caffeine of an equivalent-sized cup of drip coffee. According to Health Canada, 93% of all caffeine consumed by Canadians comes from coffee and tea.

This year, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) confirmed the safety of energy drinks and their ingredients.  EFSA concluded in its risk assessment that other typical ingredients of energy drinks do not affect the safety of caffeine consumption from those drinks, and that caffeine can be safely consumed in conjunction with physical exercise under normal conditions. This authoritative body's opinion clearly demonstrates that there is no scientific justification for energy drinks to be treated any differently than other contributors to daily caffeine intake.

CBA members support responsible manufacturing, marketing and consumption of their products. Energy drinks are not promoted to be mixed with alcohol, and container labels have a statement indicating that they are not recommended to be mixed with alcohol.

Commitments regarding marketing and sales of energy drinks can be found in Canadian Beverage Association's Energy Drinks Marketing Code as well as the Canadian Beverage Association's Industry Guidelines for Sale of Beverages in Schools.

Further information on energy drinks can also be found on Energy Drinks; Canadian Facts and Information.

The Canadian Beverage Association is the national trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute the majority of non-alcoholic refreshment beverages consumed in Canada. Over 58,000 individuals are employed directly, indirectly and through induced jobs in the Canadian beverage industry.

SOURCE Canadian Beverage Association

For more information, contact Carolyn Fell at 416-362-2424 or [email protected].