Expert anticipates energy drink sales ban for minors in Finland

A leading expert from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Heli Kuusipalo, anticipates that the sale of energy drinks to individuals under 18 years old will soon be prohibited by law. This ban has been discussed previously. “Legislation always requires political will. Now that the World Health Organization (WHO) increasingly supports this law, I believe the political will has also shifted,” Kuusipalo stated.

The WHO recommends banning the sale and marketing of energy drinks to minors. Kuusipalo noted that recommendations from the WHO are typically followed in Finland. Currently, there is a THL recommendation in place advising that energy drinks should not be sold to those under 15. However, she emphasized that this situation is not ideal for retailers either. “Such a recommendation is ineffective. There has been a call from the Parents’ Association and many shopkeepers for legislative action. This practice is too flimsy,” said Kuusipalo.

She highlighted the inconsistency in retail practices, noting, “If one store checks IDs while a neighboring store does not, the situation is not fair.”

Concerns about energy drink consumption have risen, especially in Sodankylä, where a recent report indicated that 16% of 8th and 9th graders consume energy drinks daily, which is significantly higher than the national average.

THL currently lacks precise data on retail practices and recent developments concerning the adverse effects of energy drinks. Kuusipalo remarked, “We do not even know enough about the dietary habits of young people. Fortunately, a nutritional study focusing on adolescents is set to start at THL, which will involve interviewing middle school students about their eating and drinking habits.”

Kuusipalo also cautioned that energy drinks could lead to neurological symptoms in individuals sensitive to caffeine. According to surveys, some young people seek the stimulative effects of energy drinks intentionally, which can lead to symptoms like trembling, sweating, heart palpitations, and nausea.