Dubai to monitor quality of all energy drinks

Dubai authorities said on Wednesday they would monitor the sale of energy drinks to ensure they meet UAE specifications. Hawa Bastaki, head of Dubai Central Laboratory of Dubai Municipality, said in a statement that its Food and Environment Lab section will verify the quality and safety of all energy drinks. Maha Al Hajri, head of Food and Environment Laboratory, added that samples of energy drinks would be tested to determine the percentage of caffeine, artificial colours, preservatives, sweeteners, natural and industrial remnants and alcohol. Hajri said the municipality conducted "periodic checks" to count total bacteria, coliform bacteria, faecal, yeasts and fungi. The UAE said last July that it was planning to publish new regulations this year to control the sale of energy drinks in the country. The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology said it was preparing "a censorship mechanism" to  maintain consumers' health and safety. Mohammed Saleh Badri, deputy director general, said the new rules would force shops to put the "necessary healthy warnings on the packages of energy drinks". Last May it was reported that shops in the UAE were warned over selling energy drinks to children under-16 and pregnant women. Notices issued by the Ministry of Economy were put up in supermarkets. They warn that energy drinks are not suitable for children under-16, pregnant women, people sensitive to caffeine and diabetic patients.