Information update

Health Canada reminds Canadians not to mix caffeinated drinks with alcohol

Starting date:
September 27, 2018
Type of communication:
Information Update
Subcategory:
Chemical
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Issue:
Food Safety
Audience:
General Public
Identification number:
RA-67820

September 27, 2018   Ottawa    Health Canada

Health Canada is reminding all Canadians of the risks of mixing caffeinated drinks with alcohol.

Over the years, mixing caffeinated energy drinks with alcohol has become popular, especially among teenagers and young adults.

People may not feel the symptoms of intoxication when consuming caffeinated drinks mixed with alcohol, and the caffeine may mask the drowsiness associated with alcohol intake. This may increase the potential for overconsumption of alcohol, which could lead to:

  • alcohol poisoning;
  • dehydration; and
  • alcohol-related injury or death.

Health Canada advises adults to be cautious if consuming such drinks and recommends that parents talk to their teens about the risks of drinking alcohol. For further information, please refer to Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines.

Health Canada requires that all caffeinated energy drinks carry warning statements on the label stating that these products are not to be mixed with alcohol. In Canada, alcoholic drinks that have directly added caffeine are illegal. Caffeine may be present in some alcoholic drinks as a result of flavouring ingredients that naturally contain caffeine (such as guarana seed extract, coffee and chocolate). The amount of caffeine in these flavourings is very low.

The Department is also taking action to restrict the amount of alcohol in highly sweetened, high-alcohol beverages that are sold in large-volume, non re-sealable containers, as these products promote binge drinking.

Media enquiries

Health Canada
613-957-2983
hc.media.sc@canada.ca

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1-866 225-0709