Consumer group: ban all 'energy shots' - The Local

German consumer organization Foodwatch has called for a general ban on shot-sized cans of energy drinks, which have a high concentration of active ingredients like caffeine and taurin.

The organization said on Thursday that energy drinks have been linked with cardiac arrhythmias, cramps, kidney failure, and even death.

It added that there was a particular danger of overdosing on stimulant chemicals with the shot-sized drinks, because they contain higher concentrations.

A 60-millilitre "energy shot"-sized can contain the same quantities of caffeine and taurin as a normal can of energy drink - but four times the concentration.

"Foodwatch is calling for a general ban on the sale of highly-concentrated shots," a statement on the organization's website said. "On top of that, normal energy drinks should include clear warnings on the packaging and should only be sold to over-18s."

Matthias Wolfschmidt, Foodwatch deputy chairman, said while the drinks represent a "huge business" for the drinks companies, "for the health of the customers it could be a huge danger."

Scientists have also warned of side effects "especially during sports or in combination with alcohol."

The Local/bk

Source: http://www.thelocal.de/society/20130705-50699.html

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