Darius Elias wants to ban energy drinks from the Yukon’s schools.
The Liberal MLA for Vuntut Gwitchin is calling for the outlawing of these popular, highly
caffeinated drinks in schools “to ensure our youth are protected because we have no idea of the health implications associated with their consumption,” he said in a statement Monday.
Elias also wants to see a new law that would require the Yukon’s stores to ensure only adults are able to purchase energy drinks.
His comments come on the heels of an announcement by Health Canada this week that an 18-year-old man suffered two grand mal seizures after quaffing two Red Bull drinks on an empty stomach.
The man had no history of seizures. One year after the incident, he remains seizure free.
There are four published cases of people suffering seizures after consuming energy drinks, according to Health Canada. Consumption of energy drinks has also been blamed as the cause of death of several North American teenagers with heart conditions, according to reports.
One can of Red Bull contains 230 mg of caffeine - the equivalent of two to three cups of coffee. The product label advises only consuming one serving per day.
“Most energy drinks do print a recommendation of consumption by adults only,” said Elias. “We support Health Canada making this mandatory and it should be taking steps to enforce it.”