FSSAI to conduct study on consumption patterns of caffeine drinks

In a bid to review the caffeine standards proposed for energy drinks, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is set to do a study on the consumption patterns of these drinks keeping in mind various target and consumer groups especially to look at addictive behaviour patterns and food safety issues.

The food safety regulator has called for an expression of interest from suitable agencies to conduct this survey. This comes at a time when the food safety regulator had banned several key energy drink brands in the country in May after they were found to have a combination of caffeine and ginseng.

“Consumption of Caffeinated/Energy drinks in India has shown an upward trend during the past decade. FSSAI seeks to undertake a study on the consumption pattern of these drinks among the young people in the country, particularly the school and the college students, young professionals, among others,” the food safety regulator said.

The food safety regulator also said it wants to understand the usage pattern, preferences and attitude of the consumer groups towards their consumption in view of various studies recently conducted internationally in this regard.

As per the proposed draft Standards notified by the food safety regulator, caffeinated beverages are classified as water based non-alcoholic flavoured drinks and, “shall contain more than 145 mg per litre and up to 320 mg per litre total caffeine from whatever sources it may be derived in the formulation of the product.”

In the EOI, the food regulator has identified teenagers and youngsters which includes students, young professionals, managers and office goers in the age group of 15-45 years as target respondents. The FSSAI expects this final study to be submitted by February next year.

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