Govt to review stimulant drink policy

The Department of Health is reportedly reviewing its policy on stimulant drinks following the European Court of Justice’s decision to uphold a French ban on Red Bull.

France has banned the high-caffeine drink on medical grounds.

The European Commission had challenged the ban after receiving complaints from its manufacturers, but that challenge was rejected last week.

Reports this morning said the all-Ireland food safety promotion board, Safefood, was recommending that Red Bull be labelled unsuitable for children under 16.

Safefood also wants the promotion of Red Bull in sport or as an accompaniment to alcohol banned on safety grounds.