'Youth High-Caffeine Intake Warning' Notices to Be Posted on Convenience Store Shelves

MFDS Launches Pilot Project to Reduce High-Caffeine Beverage Consumption Among Adolescents

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on the 1st that it will launch a pilot project to prevent excessive caffeine intake among adolescents.

The ministry explained, "The consumption rate of high-caffeine beverages among adolescents is rapidly increasing, so this project was prepared to raise awareness about the side effects caused by excessive caffeine intake."

According to the Youth Health Behavior Survey by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the rate of middle and high school students consuming high-caffeine beverages three or more times a week increased nearly fourfold over four years: 3.3% in 2015, 8.0% in 2017, and 12.2% in 2019. Beverages containing 15 mg or more of caffeine per 100 ml are classified as high-caffeine beverages.

The project involves five convenience store chains: GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, Emart24, and Ministop. Initially, 355 franchise stores near middle and high schools in the metropolitan area will voluntarily participate by displaying the phrase "Caution: Excessive Caffeine Intake" on beverage shelves during April, June, September, and November, when demand for high-caffeine drinks increases due to students preparing for exams.

A "Reduce Caffeine Intake" poster will be displayed on payment screens at convenience stores nationwide until December. The poster includes information about the side effects of excessive caffeine intake and recommended consumption limits.

Additionally, an online quiz event will be held throughout April to engage adolescents' interest in the side effects of excessive caffeine intake. Participation is possible via QR codes near convenience store beverage shelves or through the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's social network services (SNS). Winners of the quiz will receive convenience store coupons.

After the project concludes, the ministry plans to assess whether the pilot project effectively helped reduce high-caffeine beverage consumption among adolescents. A ministry official stated, "We will continue to provide accurate information to prevent adolescents from consuming excessive amounts of high-caffeine beverages," adding, "We will do our best to create a healthier dietary environment."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.