Morocco's consumer protection watchdog is urging a ban on energy drink sales to minors, warning of serious health risks and calling for stricter regulation and awareness. High in caffeine, these drinks can trigger anxiety, increase blood pressure, and interfere with brain development in younger consumers. DR ‹ › In the middle of exam periods, during weekend outings with friends, or ahead of a gym session, many teenagers turn to energy drinks to boost concentration, improve performance, or overcome fatigue after sleepless nights. These canned beverages, typically containing caffeine, taurine, sugar, and other stimulants, are marketed as quick sources of energy. However, their growing consumption among adolescents, and even younger children, is raising concern in Morocco. The Moroccan Observatory for Consumer Protection is calling for urgent action from both authorities and families, in a statement released this week. The group went as far as urging authorities to impose «restrictions on the sale of energy drinks to individuals under the age of 18», citing serious risks to both physical and mental health. Beyond this measure, the observatory is pushing for tighter regulation, including mandatory «clear warning labels on packaging», its president Hassan Ait Ali told Yabiladi on Thursday. He also emphasized that «national awareness campaigns in schools and households», along with further research into consumption patterns and their impact, are needed. The observatory also urges families to take responsibility. Ait Ali stressed that households should avoid giving these drinks to teenagers «without medical advice», while encouraging parents to «educate children about the risks» and promote healthier alternatives such as water and natural juices. He also underlined the importance of monitoring intake and «carefully reading product labels». What makes these drinks risky? Beyond the regulatory debate, health professionals are also raising red flags. Speaking to Yabiladi, Tayeb Hamdi, a doctor and specialist in health policy, explained that these beverages are designed to «stimulate the body and provide energy beyond its natural level», primarily through high doses of caffeine. «This is where the danger lies, especially for teenagers», he warned. Excessive caffeine intake, he noted, can lead to «anxiety, restlessness, increased heart rate, and higher blood pressure», and in more severe cases, «heart issues, and even heart attacks». The risks are particularly significant for younger individuals, as «the brain is still developing… up to the age of 25». Beyond cardiovascular and neurological effects, energy drinks can also increase the risk of dehydration, especially in hot weather, while their high sugar content contributes to «obesity and tooth decay». Dr. Hamdi ultimately cautioned that these products may «negatively affect brain development in the long term», urging a return to safer habits. «The priority should always be to drink water», he concluded.
