Health Risks of High Caffeine Consumption on Young People

30 Ms See Jinli Jean asked the Minister for Health with regard to the health risks of high caffeine consumption on young people, whether the Ministry will consider introducing measures to restrict the sale of energy drinks with high caffeine content, such as those that may have 200 milligrammes (mg) of caffeine per can in comparison to a cup of coffee that has around 80 mg to 100 mg of caffeine, to young persons.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Internationally, there is currently no recognised health-based guidance value, such as an acceptable daily intake, for caffeine. There are also no international standards, either by the United Nations or World Health Organization, on the amount of caffeine allowed to be added to food. This likely reflects the inconclusive evidence for a common maximum threshold based on the negative effects of caffeine.

The effects, both good and bad, differs across individuals, depending on one's sex, age, weight and differences in susceptibility. As a result, the Food Regulations in Singapore do not impose maximum limits on caffeine that are added to beverages. Caffeine should be consumed in moderation and individuals are advised to moderate their intake if they experience side effects.

The Health Promotion Board has published information on caffeine effects on Health Hub and the Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the developments internationally on this front.