Public advisory

Caffeinated energy drinks: what you should know

Last updated

Summary

Product
Caffeinated energy drinks
Issue
Food - Other
What to do

If you consume caffeinated energy drinks (CEDs), read the label to understand how much caffeine is in a serving, how many servings are in the container and how many servings are safe to consume. CEDs are not recommended for those under 14 years old, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding or people sensitive to caffeine.

Affected products

Caffeinated energy drinks

Issue

Caffeinated energy drinks are beverages or mixes that contain added caffeine, usually along with other ingredients, such as, vitamins, minerals, taurine and/or herbal ingredients. These products can also contain guarana and yerba mate, which are natural sources of caffeine. In Canada, caffeinated energy drinks can contain up to a maximum of 180 mg of caffeine per serving.

If you choose to consume caffeinated energy drinks, follow the cautionary statements that appear on their label and pay attention to your caffeine consumption. Adults 18 years and over should not consume more than 400 mg of caffeine per day.

Too much caffeine can have negative impacts on your health, such as insomnia, irritability, headaches and nervousness. CEDs are not recommended for those under 14 years old, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or people sensitive to caffeine as negative impacts on health may be more pronounced.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recently recalled some caffeinated energy drinks for a variety of reasons including too much caffeine and improper labelling such as missing cautionary statements. Consumers should continue to report any consumption incidents about the safety of any food product to the CFIA. Consumers can also contact the company directly.

What you should do

  • Check to see if you have recalled products: Various brands of caffeinated energy drinks may be unsafe due to caffeine content and labelling issues
  • Children, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and individuals sensitive to caffeine should not consume caffeinated energy drinks.
  • Others should also limit their consumption of these products.
  • If you choose to consume caffeinated energy drinks, follow the cautionary statements that appear on their label, such as:
    • Not recommended for those under 14 years old, pregnant or breastfeeding women or individuals sensitive to caffeine; and,
    • Do not drink more than X serving(s) per day.

Similar recalls or alerts

Additional information

Details
Original published date:
Alert / recall type
Public advisory
Category
Food
Companies
Published by
Health Canada
Audience
General public
Children, pregnant or breast feeding women
Identification number
RA-74162
Media and public enquiries

Media Enquiries

Health Canada

613-957-2983

media@hc-sc.gc.ca

Public Enquiries

Health Canada

866-225-0709

info@hc-sc.gc.ca

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