The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology has proposed banning the sale of energy drinks inside and around schools in Islamabad, with a fine of up to Rs200,000 for violations.
The proposal came during a committee meeting chaired by Kamil Ali Agha, where members reviewed the draft Islamabad Food Safety Bill.
Senator Samina Zehri said that energy drinks were being sold inside educational institutions in Islamabad and warned that their sale posed a risk to children’s health.
The draft bill proposes prohibiting the sale of energy drinks inside schools and in areas around them. It also recommends a fine of up to Rs200,000 for those who violate the proposed restriction.
Under the proposed amendments, drinks containing more than 32 milligrams of caffeine or six grams of sugar per 100 millilitres would be classified as high-caffeine or high-sugar beverages.
The Islamabad Food Authority would also have the power to set maximum limits, with drinks exceeding the limits potentially being declared unsafe.
Committee members also raised concerns over the growing trend of energy drink consumption among young children.
