Overview

• Since July 9, the draft has been under review by the Health Commission ahead of its September 1 plenary discussion.
• The reform would amend Articles 215 and 419 and add Article 216 Ter to ban sale, distribution or promotion of energy drinks to individuals under 18 and impose fines of up to 2,000 UMAs for each violation.
• It defines energy drinks as non-alcoholic beverages containing caffeine, taurine, glucuronolactone, guaraná, ginseng and B-group vitamins or other stimulants marketed to boost physical or mental energy.
• Legislators say the ban aims to curb rising youth obesity and diabetes and prevent the drug-like addictive effects of high-stimulant beverages.
• Energy drink producers have launched intensified lobbying campaigns to oppose the proposal’s passage.