Stórá calls for regulation of energy drinks for children in Faroe Islands

Margit Stórá, the Minister of Health, has emphasized the need for substantial measures and regulations regarding the use of energy drinks, particularly for children and adolescents. She highlighted that there has been a significant increase in the importation of energy drinks from 2010 to 2021, according to figures from the Health Authority.

During a parliamentary session where questions were addressed, Stórá noted that discussions are taking place with Høgni Hoydal, the Minister of Business Affairs, on this matter.

In December 2014, the Public Health Council recommended that energy drinks should be sold separately in stores. They proposed warning labels indicating that these beverages contain stimulating substances that can be harmful to health in large quantities, especially when consumed alongside alcohol. Additionally, the council advised that individuals under 18 years should not consume these drinks.

The Health Authority updated Minister Stórá that the initial recommendations from the Public Health Council, which are nearly a decade old, need to be reviewed and modernized. In 2017, the health service indicated that energy drinks are not intended for consumption by children.

The ongoing trend in energy drink imports highlights the urgency of addressing this public health concern.