Ograniczenie sprzedaży i reklamy napojów energetycznych w celu ochrony zdrowia osób niepełnoletnich w Polsce

The analysed draft amendment to the Public Health Act aims to protect the health of minors in Poland from the negative effects of consuming energy drinks containing caffeine and taurine by restricting advertising and access to these drinks. The opinion presents the results of scientific research on the effects of energy drinks on health and the level of consumption and specific characteristics of consumers of these drinks in Poland, as well as market and advertising data and the results of public opinion surveys. The author considers that, on the basis of the available data, the introduction of restrictions on access to energy drinks is justified. However, the proposed measures raise doubts as to their effectiveness and proportionality, in particular as regards the restrictions on sales, advertising and promotion and the penalties in the form of fines and imprisonment.