Keeping in mind the health of children, the Punjab government has announced a ban on the sale of energy drinks in and around schools. Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh has termed this decision as part of the ongoing campaign against drugs, which aims to protect the youth from possible introduction to drugs. Punjab has become the first state in India to impose such a ban on energy drinks in schools. Ban in schools and government action The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Punjab had issued a notification on 23 April 2025 banning the sale of energy drinks in school canteens, tuck shops and within a radius of 100 meters (rural areas) and 50 meters (urban areas) of schools for one year. This decision was taken under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Punjab Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dilraj Singh Sandhawalia said the move was “necessary and justified” to protect public health, especially children, from exposure to high-caffeine substances.
The health department has appointed health teams to monitor sales near schools and shopkeepers have been directed not to display advertisements of energy drinks. School administrators have also been directed to strictly enforce the ban. The government has also launched a scientific study to study the health effects of energy drinks on children, the results of which may form the basis for a complete ban on the sale of these drinks to minors in the state. The government took legal advice before imposing a ban in schools, as most energy drinks already have a label stating that they are “not recommended for children”. A complete ban may require strong legal and scientific evidence, for which the government is conducting a study.
Why not a complete ban?
Although the Punjab government has banned the sale of energy drinks in and around schools, a complete ban has not yet been implemented across the state. There could be several reasons behind this:Legal and commercial pressure: The energy drinks market in India was worth $0.74 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $1.01 billion by 2030. The huge financial power and commercial interests of this industry can put pressure on state governments. International experience has shown that bans in many countries have faced industry opposition and public dissent. For example, New York City’s 2012 ban was struck down by the courts in 2014.Alternative policies: The government is focusing on awareness campaigns, healthier alternatives (such as lassi, lemonade) and stricter labelling regulations rather than outright bans.
Health risks of energy drinks
Energy drinks contain high amounts of caffeine (80-160 mg per 250-500 ml), sugar, and other stimulants such as guarana, taurine, and ginseng. According to health experts, they can cause serious health problems in children and adolescents, including: Heart problems, Mental health: restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, and addiction to such substances. Dehydration, liver and kidney damage, and digestive problems also occur. Lack of attention and the ability to make good decisions are adversely affected.
According to the Punjab government, these drinks can act as the first step towards drugs for youth.
Opinion of international health experts
International health experts consider energy drinks dangerous for children. The World Health Organization (WHO) has suggested that children under the age of 18 should not drink these drinks, as they can lead to obesity, diabetes, heart disease and tooth decay.
According to Dr. Josimere Matti, Harvard School of Public Health, “Energy drinks can cause high blood pressure, heart problems, obesity and kidney damage. They also increase risky behaviors such as alcohol and drug use in children.”
“According to the Canadian Pediatric Society, children under the age of 18 should avoid all sports and energy drinks, as the amount of caffeine and sugar in them is harmful to health.”
Daily Record (2017): Reported by Harvard experts that energy drinks can contain up to 100 milligrams of caffeine per ounce, which is eight times more than coffee. This causes mental and physical problems in children.
Global News, Canada (2018) cited a World Health Organization report stating that energy drinks have been linked to obesity, caffeine intoxication, increased heart rate, and even death in the US, Sweden, and Australia.
BMC Public Health (2024): A scoping review found that 73 countries have implemented policies such as taxes, sales restrictions, and marketing restrictions on energy drinks. North America, Europe, and the Persian Gulf countries are leading the way, but there is a lack of such policies in Asia and Africa.
The Punjab government’s move to ban energy drinks in schools is welcome, but its success depends on social and government support. It is clear from international experts and reports that the consumption of energy drinks is dangerous for the health of children and young people. Banning in schools is an important start, but the lack of a complete ban and industry pressure can pose challenges. At the societal level, parents, teachers and the media should actively participate in awareness campaigns. Healthy alternatives such as exercise, gatka, sports and nutritious food need to be promoted. The media and advertising industry also need toIn fulfilling its moral responsibility, energy drinks should be highlighted for their health risks instead of making them look “cool” or “exciting”. Ultimately, this initiative by the Punjab government is an important step towards a drug-free state, but real change will come when every section of society actively participates in this campaign.
