MEP Biljana Borzan from the Socialists and Democrats group, joined by Peter Agius from the European People's Party, is pressing the European Commission to prompt the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for a refreshed scientific opinion on the impacts of energy drink consumption by minors. Their call comes amid growing health concerns spotlighted in a December 3, 2025 public hearing, where experts and civil society converged on evidence of serious risks such as sleep issues, heart irregularities, and risky behaviors tied to youth energy drink use.
This inquiry, officially submitted on December 15, 2025, takes the form of a Parliamentary question directed at the Commission, signaling a formal request for clarification and future policy guidance.
The question seeks specific updates rather than vague support, pressing EFSA to reassess caffeine and stimulant risks specifically for children and adolescents, consider cumulative effects when mixed with sugar, alcohol, and other stimulants, and evaluate how marketing strategies target minors. No direct policy proposals or numerical targets are set, but the questioning suggests potential regulation adjustments relying on updated scientific assessments.
The underlying policy orientation is toward enhancing consumer protection for younger populations, acknowledging the balance needed between public health safeguards and industry interests in food and beverage sectors. This may boost regulatory oversight and transparency on marketing and ingredient safety evaluations for energy drinks consumed by minors.
This impacts several stakeholders significantly: children and adolescents stand to benefit from heightened health protections; parents and educational bodies gain more scientific backing to guide consumption behaviors; energy drink producers may face tighter scrutiny and potential limitations affecting marketing and product formulations; and national and EU food safety authorities could see expanded roles in monitoring compliance and updating guidelines.
As per Parliamentary norms, the Commission must respond within weeks, with its reply poised to influence how EU health and food safety policies evolve around energy drink consumption for minors.