Energy drinks are as harmful as drugs

On 20 January 2014, government adviser, John Vincent, co-founder of the Leon restaurant group, warned us of the negative effect ‘energy drinks’ were having upon our children in The Daily Mail:

“The amount of sugar and caffeine in these drinks is in our view effectively allowing drugs into schools. It has a hugely damaging effect on their ability to concentrate, how they feel and it is having health effects.”

Ian Fenn, headmaster of Burnage Media Arts College in Manchester, added:

“Staff came to me and said… we cannot allow boys to bring in drinks that are really unhealthy for them and consume not one, but two or three.”

A spokesman for the Food Standards Agency said consumption of the drinks ‘could potentially lead to short-term effects such as increased excitability, irritability, nervousness or anxiety’.

Brian Lightman, of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“They are in no fit state to be in the classroom. They can be hyperactive, and it can have a very negative effect on their behaviour.”

An association spokesman added:

“We are clear that energy drinks are not recommended for children.”

Sean Poulter, consumer affairs spokesman of The Mail summed up the situation thus:

“Energy drinks are as harmful as drugs and should be banned from schools… Drinks such as Monster, Red Bull and Relentless combine sugar and caffeine in such high quantities that children are becoming hyperactive and difficult to control. Some 500ml cans contain the equivalent of more than 13 teaspoons of sugar and 160mg of caffeine…

One in 20 teenagers goes to school on a can of energy drink.”

Finally, he said:

“The British Soft Drinks Association code of conduct states that energy drinks should not be sold in schools. But a Freedom of Information request last year found some academies, which have the right to opt out of national standards on school food and nutrition, were selling the drinks.”

Academies.

Tony Blair and David Blunkett foist them upon us in the year 2000. Along with the phrase ‘standard of excellence.’

Remember what the man said, ladies and gentlemen. 'Energy drinks are as harmful as drugs and should be banned from schools.'  

Oh, yes, the stuff the establishment convinces us to eat and drink these days is often harmful. As it would be when that same establishment is at war with us.

'Get 'em to eat it, get 'em to drink it. And make 'em pay for the pleasure.' 

That's the power of marketing and the establishment market, folks.

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