Germany’s CDU pushes for nationwide ban on energy drink sales to under 16s

The regional party plans to submit a motion at the CDU’s federal convention in February, aiming to introduce age restrictions similar to those already in place in countries such as Lithuania and Latvia. Germany currently has no such regulation.

According to CDU state director Antonia Grage, the proposal is intended to protect young people’s health. Consumer Protection Minister Cornelia Schmachtenberg argued that the high caffeine and sugar content of energy drinks can cause restlessness, sleep problems and concentration issues. She believes sales should be restricted to those aged 16 and below to ensure responsible consumption.

Consumer groups recently renewed calls for a ban on all soft drinks containing more than 150 mg of caffeine per liter, a category that includes many energy drinks and some colas. The beverage industry rejects the criticism, with the WAFG emphasizing that energy drinks contribute only minimally to overall daily caffeine intake among both adults and adolescents