Birnie raises concerns over marketing of Sugary Drinks
“There has recently and rightly been a lot of attention on the suitability of certain foods especially for children (e.g. the question of food ads during children’s TV, better labels etc.).
South Belfast constituents have raised with me the particular concern of the impact on some children of the so-called energy drinks— especially the brand “Kick” marketed by Tesco. It is true that Tesco do label this drink as “Not suitable for diabetics, children or persons sensitive to caffeine”. Nevertheless, it does seem to be sold at their stores to children.
Further information on the container indicates that 250 ml of Kick contains 29 g of sugar (the daily recommended amount is 90 g). Despite this Kick is sold in one litre bottles and can be got at the price of 92 pence for one or £ 1.50 for two bottles!
Since this marketing policy does seem to be encouraging the consumption of extraordinary amounts of sugar and caffeine by vulnerable children I have written (a week ago) to Tesco to ask them to explain their policy and I am waiting for a reply”.