Srinagar, May 30: Despite containing “high” caffeine level and under ban in two states, Red Bull, an energy drink, is being sold in the Valley openly.
 Sources said many people after consuming the Red Bull have complained dizziness, “yet so far not a single sample of the drink has been taken for testing.”
 Pertinently, the product has been banned in Mumbai and Tamil Nadu for its “high content of caffeine.”
 According to reports, Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had seized 16.3 lakh cans Red Bull and later sent its samples for testing.
 According to the reports the caffeine content in the energy drink in Maharashtra was found between 250 parts per million (ppm) and 300 ppm.
 Pertinently, according to Indian food safety laws, the caffeine content permitted in carbonated beverages is 145 ppm.
 Earlier, Tamil Nadu also cracked down on Red Bull for “exceeding permissible limits on caffeine content.”
 According to experts, Caffeine, a mildly addictive stimulant, is commonly found in coffee, tea, soft drinks and energy drinks.
 “Increased caffeine consumption can lead to health problems such as anxiety, nervousness, irritability, insomnia, low heart rate and issues with maternal fertility,” they said.
 “There is a need to check the contents of these energy drinks. If the caffeine level is high than prescribed under norms, it can affect the functioning of the brain and can cause many health hazards,” said Dr Riyaz Ahmad.
 “Caffeine is addictive and it has a long term impact. Parents should be keeping a check on what their children are drinking,” said Health expert.
 “Manufacturers claim it’s an energy drink and not a carbonated drink. But when you open a Red Bull can, there's fizz and it contains carbon dioxide.” said Bashir Ahmad, a local resident.
 However, according to sources, SMC has not collected the samples of the Red Bull in the Valley.
 Repeated attempts to contact SMC Health officer proved futile.
 Pertinently, though there are no separate standards for caffeine content in energy drinks, the Food Safety and Standard Act 2006 states that all drinks containing caffeine should follow the rules applicable to carbonated beverages.
 At present, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is working on setting new norms for energy drinks. It is trying to create a new category for energy drinks to allow higher caffeine content.
 No company official could be contacted, despite repeated attempts.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 30 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 30 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 IST