Energy drinks mixed with alcohol banned

Producers will ask for an extention of the deadline

The Ministries of Economy and Trade and Public Health issued a decree that bans the production, import and marketing of energy drinks mixed with alcohol, starting from June 1.
The decision came due to the suggestion by the National Council for Consumer Protection, which argued that this mix has harmful effects. It gave producers and importers four months to stop marketing these products.

Nayef Kassatly, CEO of Kassatly Chtaura, said: “Last year all producers and importers met the Ministries, and agreed on decreasing the dose of caffeine and taurine from 25 milligrams in every 100 milliliters, to 12.5. We were surprised with the Ministries’ decision that prohibits producing this product.”

All the companies fulfilled the requirements and decreased the dose of caffeine and taurine,
Kassatly said: “We will execute the decision, but we will ask for a meeting with the concerned ministries to extend the deadline.” He said that they usually purchase raw material and packages for a whole year.

Only one of the 18 flavors of Kassatly’s products includes this mix. Kassatly said: “We are afraid that people will mix by themselves vodka with existing energy drinks, if the mix is not available anymore in the market, so they could take overdose without any control.”

This mix is banned in some European and American countries, according to the Ministry. “Such energy drinks are available in several European countries,” said Kassatly.