Maryland Proposal Would Ban Sale of Energy Drinks to Minors

Maryland lawmakers have proposed legislation (H.B. 1273) that would
prohibit the sale of energy drinks to youth younger than age 18. Defining
energy drink as a “beverage, an energy shot, or a powdered drink mix that
contains 71 milligrams or more of caffeine per 12-ounce serving and the
ingredients taurine, guarana, panax ginseng, inositol, or L-Carnitine in any
amount,” the bill would also prohibit minors from possessing such drinks and
prohibit their sale in vending machines.

In a related development, Maryland lawmakers have also proposed legislation
(H.B. 1255) that would prohibit the inclusion of “any beverage other than
bottled water or low-fat milk in a fixed-priced children’s menu or meal.” See
BaltimoreCBSLocal.com, March 7, 2014.

Issue 517