Stopping to gas up on my many road trips through Yorkton-Melville, I’ve noticed that the drink vending machines feature considerably more products than they once did. The assortment of juices, dairy, soft drinks, and energy drinks, makes choosing difficult.

One of the most popular additions to those shelves, the energy drink, has come under the watchful eye of Health Canada lately. The drinks, from a wide variety of suppliers, contain caffeine and nutrients in greater proportions than soft drinks—a feature that makes them appealing to Canadians with active lifestyles—though potentially more risky.

Health Canada has noticed an increase in the consumption of the drinks—a fact which has caused some concern. Too-high levels of caffeine are unsafe for young people (among others) who often reach for them in place of soft drinks.

With the goal of assessing their safety for Canadian consumers, and providing the best tools and information for parents, Health Canada is determined to look more closely at the use and labelling of these drinks.

Because they have been considered a Natural Health Product, energy drinks have so far not been required to carry a nutrition facts table. Health Canada, following the example of other countries, intends to re-classify the drinks as a food, meaning each drink must carry a nutritional label. Under the new measures, Heath Canada would also:

• limit the amount of caffeine in a single serving to roughly the equivalent of a cup of medium coffee, and indicate the amount on the label;

• include ingredient, nutrition and allergen declarations, as with all other foods;

• ensure that types and levels of vitamins and minerals are within safe levels; and

• mandate that the drinks also include a statement warning against consuming them along with alcohol.

Health Canada’s intentions are to review energy drink products and their eligibility to meet the new food requirements as of November 1, 2011. They will work with the industry as they make this transition, expected to take place between 18 to 24 months from now.

Speaking from the perspective of a parent and consumer, Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq commented: “I need to have access to as much information as possible, to help us as a family make good decisions when it comes to what we eat and drink.” She added that she believes the changes will be “especially helpful to the parents of teenagers who regularly consume energy drinks.”

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The audio version of Garry's Oct. 17, 2011 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here