Mexico Moves to Ban Energy Drinks for Minors

Mexico could ban the sale of energy drinks to minors, citing health risks such as addiction, cardiovascular damage, and rising consumption among children and adolescents. The reform proposes fines of up to MX$200,000 (US$10,908) for anyone who violates the ban.

The Health Commission of the Chamber of Deputies unanimously approved a reform initiative to the General Health Law that seeks to prohibit the sale of energy drinks to minors, citing the health risks associated with their consumption. The project was endorsed with 20 votes in favor and will now be sent to the San Lázaro Board of Directors to continue the legislative process.

The initiative was proposed by Ricardo Monreal, President, Coordination Board in the Chamber of Deputies, who warned about the serious health damage caused by the consumption of energy drinks among children and adolescents. 

The proposal warns that in recent years the consumption of energy drinks among children and adolescents in Mexico has grown. These beverages contain high concentrations of caffeine, taurine, glucuronolactone, guarana, ginseng, and added sugars — ingredients that, combined, produce a strong stimulating effect on the nervous and cardiovascular systems, say proponents of the ban.

The ruling highlights that this group is especially vulnerable to the effects of these drinks, since their bodies are still developing and metabolize caffeine and other stimulants differently. It also notes that marketing linking these products to physical endurance and unlimited energy is directly targeted at this population sector.

According to the Universidad Central de Bogotá, the most common adverse effects of consuming energy drinks include the risk of addiction; cardiovascular problems such as increased blood pressure, arrhythmias and heart attacks; and hyperactivity, withdrawal syndrome, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, and non-restorative sleep. They may also cause dehydration due to their diuretic effect, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms such as indigestion, gastroesophageal reflux, more frequent bowel movements, nausea, and vomiting. 

Data from the Research and Assistance Center in Technology and Design of the State of Jalisco (CIATEJ) shows that between 2008 and 2017–2018, the consumption of energy and sports drinks in Mexico increased by 66%. In 2007, the productive sector reported sales of 259.2 million L. By the end of the reference period, production reached 429.4 million L, with a value of MX$4.9 billion in 2017.

One explanation for this increase is that consumers began preferring these products as an alternative to coffee to start the day. For context, by late 2017, the average monthly consumption of energy and sports drinks in Mexico was almost 40 times higher than that of red wine, at 906,000 liters, and 4.5 times higher than that of reposado tequila, at 8.15 million liters, according to CIATEJ.

Mariana Valdés, Nutrition Researcher, UNAM, says that according to Mexico’s dietary guidelines and best practices for nutritional orientation, these types of drinks are not considered or recommended at any point. She suggests seeking other sources of caffeine to stay alert. “It could be a regular coffee — one cup a day for a young person is enough, although it will depend on their individual characteristics,” Valdés says.

Given that these products are easily accessible in stores, digital platforms, and even schools, the initiative establishes a prohibition on their sale to minors under 18. It also proposes fines of up to 2,000 Units of Measure and Update, equivalent to MX$226,280 (US$12,366), for anyone who violates this rule.

“The prohibition of energy drinks will be welcomed by parents, because they normally cannot control what their children buy after school or when attending events,” says Monreal. The legislator clarified that the industry will not disappear, since the measure does not affect adults.