Key Takeaways:

• Children pregnant women and diabetics advised not to consume energy drinks
• Other consumers told not to exceed two cans per day
• Locally produced energy drinks contain 100mg caffeine per can
• Producers required to display warnings and follow advertising rules

KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 29 Nepal's food safety regulator has urged children, pregnant and postpartum women, people with diabetes and those sensitive to caffeine to avoid energy drinks, while advising other eligible consumers to limit their intake to no more than two cans a day. The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC), under the Ministry of Health and Food Safety, issued the advisory on the safe consumption of energy drinks, citing caffeine-related precautions and the need for consumers to follow warning messages on product labels. According to the department, 17 industries have obtained permission from relevant government agencies to produce and sell energy drinks in Nepal. Product labels and laboratory analysis reports show that locally produced energy drinks contain 100 milligrams of caffeine per can. While the regulator noted that the caffeine content remains below internationally recognised daily intake limits for healthy adults, it warned that certain groups should avoid the products entirely. Eligible consumers have been advised not to drink more than two cans of up to 330 millilitres each per day. The department also cautioned against using energy drinks as substitutes for water, milk, juice or other nutritious beverages and advised consumers not to mix them with other drinks. The advisory comes amid growing public debate over energy drinks and their health impacts. Authorities said producers and sellers must clearly display warning labels, follow advertising regulations and comply with food safety laws or face legal action.