Health sector supports banning sales of energy drinks to minors

By The Star Staff

Health sector representatives voiced strong support for House Bill (HB) 233, authored by House Health Committee Chairman Gabriel Rodríguez Aguiló to regulate the sale of energy drinks to individuals under 16 years of age and to establish clear warnings about their health risks.

HB 233 directs the Department of Health to regulate the sale of the beverages, prohibit their sale to minors under 16, and require clear warnings at points of sale regarding potential risks to pregnant women, individuals with heart conditions, and minors.

The measure received endorsements from the Department of Health, the Puerto Rican Cardiology Society, the Family Department, and the Puerto Rico Physicians and Surgeons Association, among other organizations at a hearing held earlier this week.

Dr. Luis A. Renta-Rosa, president of the Cardiology Society, presented scientific evidence highlighting the negative impact that consuming the beverages can have on the cardiovascular health of minors.

Dr. Carlos Díaz Vélez, president of the Physicians and Surgeons Association, emphasized that “several countries have already implemented similar measures based on available scientific evidence.”

“In our legislation, we cannot lag behind and must act responsibly to protect the health and development of our children and adolescents,” he said. “We cannot allow misinformation and a lack of regulation to jeopardize their well-being.”

Rodríguez Aguiló added that energy drinks “are high in calories -- even more so than sports drinks -- due to their elevated levels of carbohydrates and sugars, which can lead to obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.”

“Additionally, energy drinks can contain up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per can, which is four times more than a regular cup of coffee,” he said.

“Our main objective is to safeguard the health of future generations through education and prevention, providing clear, evidence-based information for informed decision-making,” the legislator added.

Despite the broad support from the medical community, the United Retail Center expressed its opposition to the bill during Wednesday’s hearing.