Spain is looking to implement regulations that would curb the sale of energy drinks to teenagers in the country.

Under the regulations, announced by the social rights and consumer affairs minister Pablo Bustinduy yesterday (25 February), the sale of all energy drinks will be banned to children under 16 years old.

Energy drinks containing more than 32mg of caffeine per 100ml will also not be allowed to be sold to under-18s under the rules, a statement from the local Ministry of Social Rights and Consumer Affairs said.

The measure has been criticised by the European trade body, the Union of European Soft Drinks Associations (UNESDA).

In a statement, Nicholas Hodac, director general of UNESDA Soft Drinks Europe, said the trade body "firmly stand against any proposal for an unjustifiable and discriminatory ban of sales of energy drinks".

He added: "This measure is disproportionate, while more effective solutions exist, such as awareness-raising initiatives, voluntary actions taken by the industry and the development of a practical framework through public-private collaboration.

“We should focus on what the science says: energy drinks and their ingredients have been thoroughly assessed and confirmed as safe by health authorities, including EFSA. Policy-making should be based on solid science and data.”

According to Hodac, there is “no scientific evidence of real harm” that justifies a ban on energy drink sales.

In its statement, the ministry pointed to “broad public support” for the measure and cited data from the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) survey, released last week.

The study showed nine out of ten people in Spain favour the ban, with 88.3% support among respondents aged 18-35 years.

The move builds on last year’s nationwide ban on energy drinks in schools. It also follows the release of a AESAN Scientific Committee report in 2021 that warned of adverse physiological and psychological impact, such as behavioural changes and cardiovascular issues, from excessive caffeine consumption.

According to the ministry, the measure is "in line" with measures being adopted in other European countries such as Norway, Latvia, Poland and Hungary. Regulations are also being implemented by some Spanish regions including Galicia and Asturias, it said.

In the statement, Bustinduy also outlined forthcoming regulations on limiting unhealthy food and drinks advertising to children and adolescents, noting the measures respond to a "public outcry".

He referenced comparable actions in Portugal, Norway, the UK, Ireland, and Sweden.

“Companies in the sector have a duty not to promote the consumption of foods and beverages that jeopardise children’s right to health in our country,” the minister said.

Defending regulation as a "matter of public health" to "guarantee children’s rights," he called for "putting a stop to the powerful".