Energy capsules

TRADING STANDARDS WARNS YOUNG PEOPLE ABOUT ‘ENERGY CAPSULES’

Young people in Argyll and Bute have been warned of the potential consequences of mixing so-called ‘energy capsules’ with caffeinated drinks. Argyll and Bute Council’s Trading Standards team and Strathclyde Police mounted a joint investigation into the problem after receiving complaints of children taking ‘energy’ products such as NRG Now capsules in conjunction with caffeinated drinks. The NRG Now capsules contain high levels of caffeine and are specifically marked with the warnings ‘Not intended for use by persons under the age of 18’, ‘Keep out of the reach of children’ and ‘Avoid additional consumption of caffeine which may intensify adverse effects’. Anecdotal evidence suggested that children as young as 11 were obtaining these capsules, and taking them in conjunction with drinks such as Red Bull, Relentless or Red Rooster, which also contain relatively high levels of caffeine. Young people may experience adverse effects if they take large amounts of caffeine. These adverse effects could include nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness and rapid heartbeat. Argyll and Bute Council’s spokesperson on Social Services, Councillor Donald McIntosh, said all young people should be aware of the potential consequences of taking these capsules. “The packs might include somewhere the information that they are not intended for anyone under 18, but the fact of the matter is that the packaging is specifically designed to appeal to young people,” he added. “The effects of taking these capsules with caffeinated drinks are potentially serious, and I would urge young people not to put themselves at risk in this way. “I would also appeal to traders across Argyll and Bute not to knowingly sell these products to anyone under the age of 18.” Shops that supply ‘energy capsules’ have already been visited by Trading Standards and Strathclyde Police, and reminded of their responsibilities to their younger customers.