Hundreds of energy drinks containing illegal amounts of caffeine have been seized in a statewide crackdown in South Australia.
SA Health officials discovered 18 businesses selling the illegal drinks, Premier Peter Malinauskas’ office said in a release.
Warning letters were issued to 13 businesses, while two were fined a collective total of $3000.
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Under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, it is illegal to sell energy drinks which contain more than 320 milligrams per litre of caffeine.
Health authorities found some drinks, such as GFUEL, Bang, and Raze Energy, contained 300 milligrams of caffeine in each 473ml can – almost double the maximum allowable limit.
It’s equivalent to nine cans of Coca-Cola, or three shots of coffee.
Other illicit energy drinks found were branded C4, Ghost, Ryse Fuel, 3D and Redcon1, with products seized containing 200 milligrams of caffeine in 473ml cans.
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“Clearly they weren’t approved,” Health Minister Chris Picton said.
“They’re illegal and shouldn’t have been on the shelves , that’s why we’ve taken this action.”
Some of these brands also have products on the market which comply with permitted caffeine levels.
Holding orders have now been issued to intercept the illegal cans at the border.
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Excess caffeine can cause insomnia, anxiety and depression as well as cardiovascular issues, heartburn, ulcers, seizures and in rare cases, even death.
It has the potential to cause harm to young people, with the recommended maximum daily intake for teenagers being three milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
For healthy adults, a daily total of 400mg and a maximum of 200mg in a single serving, is generally considered safe, while people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not exceed 200mg a day.
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