The Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) has ordered the suppliers of energy drinks in Qatar to comply with standard specifications by clearly displaying cautionary labels on the products.
The cautionary labels, in English and Arabic, should be prominently displayed against a white background. The cautionary text should be written in a distinctive colour from the rest of the product data.
The MEC has also instructed that energy drinks should be separated from other products displayed on cooling shelves or in refrigerators at sales outlets.
Suppliers who fail to comply with these regulations will be banned from the sale of energy drinks in the market as well as selling any energy drink products to any group that does not fulfil the advertised specifications.
The campaign comes within the framework of the ministry’s efforts to ensure the compliance of stores and products with the consumer protection law with regard to the sale of products in accordance with standard specifications.
The ministry’s Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department had previously held several meetings with representatives of energy drink suppliers to ensure the accurate display of cautionary labels.
Ministry officials have asked that energy drink suppliers to display labels cautioning pregnant or nursing women, children under the age of 16, individuals with heart diseases and those allergic to caffeine as well as athletes (during exercise), against consuming energy drinks.
The MEC has expressed hope that its efforts will lead to a reduction in consumer demand for energy drinks, particularly among the youth, and also encourage the consumption of natural and healthy alternatives.
Energy drinks have been proved to cause health problems according to reports released by competent authorities, the MEC pointed out.
Those with underlying heart conditions have gone into cardiac arrest after just a few energy drinks. A 2013 study showed that energy drinks cause more forceful heart contractions, which could be harmful to some with certain heart conditions.
Another study, which showed the link between energy drinks and cardiac events among teens, recommends that teens consume no more than one 250 ml energy drink per day and not before or during sports or exercise.
The MEC has urged consumers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels: Hotline: 16001, e-mail: [email protected], Twitter: @MEC_Qatar, Instagram: MEC_Qatar, and MEC mobile app for Android and iPhone: MEC_Qatar
