FSANZ to review energy drink ingredients
safety of energy-boosting herbs, such as guarana and gingko biloba,
that could pose a threat to the booming energy drinks market.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand has announced a review of the safety of energy-boosting herbs, such as guarana and gingko biloba, that could pose a threat to the booming energy drinks market.
Regulators in Europe are also examining the safety of ingredients typically added to energy drinks, under the proposed fortified foods regulation, scheduled for late 2005.
The FSANZ proposals come under new assessment of 'non-culinary herbs'. The majority of these herbs, while they may have a tradition of use as ingredients in therapeutic goods, have not been assessed for their safety and appropriateness as food ingredients, says the agency.
Their use in foods may potentially present a greater health risk than their use in therapeutic goods since, the risk management options are fewer and there is greater potential for high exposure to a broader segment of the population in foods.
The agency published a list of the non-culinary herbs currently added to energy bars and drinks, identified in a survey of food products in supermarkets. These included echinacea, saw palmetto, ginseng, guarana and gingko biloba.
The assessment considers adverse events when consumed with other medications or dangers of overdose if consumed in large quantities. Decisions will, however, depend to some extent on a pending review (P235) of food-type dietary supplements.
The agency has invited public comment on the assessment, to be received by 19 November 2003.
