Written question on Energy drinks and their impact on health

February 12 2009. Please note that the question below will be answered by the European commission in writing within the next six weeks.

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0464/10 by Ivo Belet (PPE) to the Commission

Subject: Energy drinks and their impact on health

According to research by the University of Ghent, commissioned by the Belgian Superior Health Council, energy drinks such as Red Bull, Burn and Monster can cause health problems, particularly to pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding and young people.

Consuming large quantities of such pep drinks can also make people more liable to become addicted to nicotine, alcohol or drugs.

What is the Commission's response to this research? Does it consider an information campaign to be necessary? Or should more far-reaching measures be taken?