Manufacturers of energy drinks are deceivers – NAFDAC

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control has raised the alarm over the proliferation of energy drinks in the country.

Noting that the influx of the so-called energy beverages in various flavours into the country had become worrisome, NAFDAC posted a message on its official Facebook page, warning consumers of such drinks – presumed to be designed for athletes and individuals who want an extra energy kick – that they were being deceived into taking high levels of a stimulant known as caffeine.

The agency said it had granted licences and marketing authorisation to about 100 brands of energy drinks to operate in the country over the past years.

Arguing that it had become necessary to express its concern for the safety of consumers of such products, NAFDAC said the high level of caffeine present in a large quantity of energy drinks sold in Nigeria are believed to be responsible for adverse health effects on consumers.

It said it would not lose focus on its mission to safeguard the health of Nigerians, adding that it would ensure that only the right quality of food, drugs and other regulated products are manufactured, exported, imported, advertised and used in Nigeria.

The agency said, "Let's talk about the energy drinks that have become common in our country today. They first appeared in our markets about 18 years ago with the Commando Bear Energy drink, which was imported from Thailand.

"More followed and currently, about 100 brands have been granted marketing authorisation by NAFDAC. The term energy drink is a misnomer, as most energy drinks do not provide energy as in calories.

"Studies show that the calorie levels vary from eight for sugar-free to 120 for drinks with added sugars, but the average soft drink contains 140 calories. This implies that energy drinks do not provide more energy in calories than the ordinary soft drink."

Worried by the negative effect of some energy drinks on consumers, NAFDAC stated that it had already drafted regulations to compel beverage manufacturers to declare the caffeine content in their drinks.

The agency observed that while individual reactions to caffeine vary, energy drinks stimulating properties could have both favourable and unfavourable consequences on consumers.

According to NAFDAC, caffeine could go a long way in boosting the heart rate and blood pressure, yet it can sometimes have devastating effects on consumers – ranging from insomnia (inability to sleep) to abnormality of the heartbeat.

It added that plans were in an advanced stage to encourage energy drink manufacturers to make use of herbal extracts and other ingredients that can actually lead to increased energy when consumed.

"Our recommended regulations are the mandatory declaration of other composing nutrients of energy drinks and that caution should be boldly inscribed on all drinks: 'Not suitable for pregnant women, children and people sensitive to caffeine.'

"NAFDAC is working for the promotion of natural ingredients in energy drinks that can actually lead to increased energy. Caffeine and sugar present in them (energy drinks) are known to cause a variety of adverse health effects.

"However, energy drinks are safe on the whole if consumed moderately. Now that you know people, be wise," the agency said.

The agency also cautioned consumers against mixing energy drinks with alcohol, describing the new trend, especially among the youth, as "worrisome."

"The new habit of mixing energy drinks with alcohol is also worrisome to NAFDAC because the opposing stimulant depressing effects can lead consumers to believe they are less intoxicated while they are not," it said.

Meanwhile, NAFDAC has identified the Mushin area of Lagos as a safe haven for peddlers of fake drugs. Fielding questions from Nigerians on Facebook, it said it had started making efforts to work out a very "effective and systematic monitoring strategy" that would enable it to mop up fake drugs in the area, as well as in other parts of the country.

"Mushin is a peculiar case, but we are determined to root out the evil doers there. Most of the shops we closed in Lagos were located in the Mushin area. Do not hesitate to report any suspicious cases to us. Share with us your suggestions and ideas on steps we can employ to further combat and eliminate the threat of fake drugs and counterfeit products," it said on Facebook.

NAFDAC also announced the development of its mobile app, which according to it, will contain all its "most accurate" data and information.

"Find the contact directory of all NAFDAC offices nationwide, including locations, emails and phone numbers on our mobile app. Download it from the Google Play store," the agency wrote in a message posted on Facebook.

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