Caffeinated energy drinks

In small amounts, caffeine increases nervous activity positively by improving alertness, mood, and energy. However, too much caffeine can over stimulate the brain, resulting in unpleasant and at times, serious consequences to health.

Symptoms of too much caffeine include:

• restlessness
• difficulty sleeping
• tremors
• anxiety
• agitation
• increased blood pressure
• increased heart rate (palpations)

In serious cases, excessive caffeine intake can lead to serious consequences, including seizure and death.

The label of an energy drink will state its volume in mL and an amount of caffeine in mg. You can use the formula below to work out how much caffeine is in a caffeinated drink:

Caffeine (mg/ml) = 1000 ÷ drink volume (mL) x caffeine (mg)

For example, if a 500 mL can of energy drink contained 100 mg of caffeine, as per the above calculation, it would contain 200 mg/L of caffeine.

Caffeine = 1000 ÷ 500 mL x 100 mg = 200 mg/L

It is illegal to sell, manufacture or import an energy drink that contains for more than 320 mg/L of caffeine. If you are concerned about a product, refer to Report caffeinated products I am concerned about Section of this webpage.

Food laws require all packaged food products to bear a label. There are general labelling requirements that apply to all foods, including caffeinated energy drinks. However, as caffeinated energy drinks are a special class of food, there are additional labelling requirements for these drinks.

The food label on a caffeinated energy drinks must state how much caffeine in milligrams (mg) is in one serve and per 100 mL of the drink.

In addition, an advisory statement must appear on the food label of caffeinated energy drinks. The statement must clearly state that the energy drink contains caffeine, and is not recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women, or individuals sensitive to caffeine.

There is no established, acceptable daily intake amount of caffeine from all sources (food and beverages). However, the table below can be used as a guide. It's important to remember that this reflects the total amount of caffeine consumed per day, from all food or drink consumed.

Remember, caffeine can affect people differently so, always listen to your body. Watch out for symptoms of too much caffeine and lower the amount you consume if you need to.

Local governments investigate complaints about food products or food businesses.

Report an energy drink of concern to the local government in which the drink was purchased.

Alternatively, if you are concerned about a caffeinated drink, you can report it to the Department of Health.

(08) 9222 2000

The Department can assist with determining whether the product complies with the Food Standards Code, and facilitate any investigations as required.