The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has directed all beverage firms to change the label on their energy drinks. According to the new rules, the word “energy” should be replaced by “stimulant.”
Beverage firms have been given an 8-month deadline to meet the new regulations. Stern measures will be taken by the authority after December 21 if the beverage firms fail to satisfy its rigorous standards.
PFA’s guidelines came in after the authorities noticed that majority of the people are not aware of the adverse health effects of energy drinks. PFA wants buyers to know that these drinks are hazardous to people who suffer from high blood pressure.
PFA previously banned the sale of all energy and cola drinks in schools and colleges. Several representatives of the companies approached the Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif asking him to revert PFA’s ban.
However, the minister directed the Authority to continue its operation and uphold the ban against such products in schools.
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New Rules
The authority issued the following instructions as part of its new standards;
- “Highly caffeinated drink” must be mentioned on the drinks as excessive caffeine content is not good for children under 12 years of age and pregnant women.
- Companies must avoid pharmaceutical products used to prepare the drinks.
- The caffeine quantity must not increase 200 milliliters.
- All above instructions must be mentioned on the drinks in English and Urdu.
Apart from these rules, PFA directed the companies to get a halal certificate for their products as well.
Via Dawn
Good work by punjab food authority. Really appreciate it
Indeed
White Flour items should be contained such as white bread, Parathas ,Cakes pastries,French Fries, Potato Chips etc