Galicia Implements Stricter Regulations On Energy Drinks To Protect Minors
Spain News
Published: 17 October 2023 18:33 CET
In a significant move to safeguard the well-being of its youth, the Spanish region of Galicia is set to implement new regulations that will equate energy drinks with alcohol and prohibit their sale and supply to minors. The impending law, titled the "Prevention of Addictions in Minors in Galicia," is in its final stages, and it includes measures aimed at curtailing the marketing and accessibility of energy drinks to children.
Once approved, this groundbreaking legislation will prohibit the advertising of energy drinks to children and require that these products not be displayed alongside soft drinks in retail establishments. Furthermore, the law will place restrictions on advertising and sponsorships of energy drinks, significantly limiting their promotion, as confirmed by the Ministry of Health.
The Ministry believes that this new rule reflects the Xunta's commitment to taking substantial steps to limit minors' access to electronic cigarettes and energy drinks. Additionally, the law promotes a "zero tolerance" approach towards the practice of "botellón," where youngsters congregate in groups on the streets drinking alcohol.
The President of the Xunta de Galicia, Alfonso Rueda, highlighted these measures during his speech at the State of Autonomy Debate, emphasising the government's dedication to protecting the region's youth.
Recent data from the 2021 survey on drug use in secondary education (ESTUDES) revealed that 40.4% of Galician students aged 14 to 18 had consumed energy drinks in the past month. This percentage is almost 5 points lower than the national average of 45.0%. Compared to 2018 statistics, the latest survey indicates a nearly 10-point increase in consumption, rising from 30.8% in the previous study. Notably, the consumption of energy drinks is more prevalent among boys, accounting for 49.6% in Galicia compared to 31.2% among girls.
Furthermore, the annual report of the Spanish Observatory on Drugs and Addictions published by the Ministry of Health in 2022 highlighted a concerning trend. It revealed that 16.1% of young Spaniards mix energy drinks with alcohol, a practice described as a "growing and perpetuated phenomenon" associated with addictive behaviours, as explained by Dr. Naomi Cano Ibáñez, a specialist in Clinical Medicine and Public Health. She emphasised that these drinks contain psychostimulant substances with effects reminiscent of cocaine and alcohol. Rodrigo Fernández, a medical nutrition specialist, warned about the risk of addiction associated with these ultra-processed beverages.
The Ministry of Health has also underscored the potential health risks, emphasising that the consumption of energy drinks by adolescents can lead to sleep disturbances, nervousness, irritability, anxiety, and cardiovascular disorders. With these new regulations, Galicia aims to tackle this growing public health issue and protect its youth from the harmful effects of energy drinks and their association with alcohol.
This article was brought to you by HealthPlan, the expat health insurance experts in Spain.
Source: RTVE
