Coffee milk to be banned at schools

By Kim Se-jeong

The government plans to ban elementary, middle and high schools from selling “coffee milk” containing high doses of caffeine.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said Sunday it will propose a revision of laws to include coffee milk among caffeinated products subject to regulations.

Currently, there are regulations for caffeinated products sold in schools _ energy drinks or coffee products are banned from snack bars.

However, coffee milk was not on the list of regulated items, as it was classified as a “dairy product.”

TV commercials on highly caffeinated products are prohibited in the evening time when children’s shows are screened. Violators can be fined up to 10 million won ($8.862). Products containing a high level of caffeine are required to reveal the amount of caffeine in their products.

Seoul Milk, Namyang Dairy Products and Dongwon Food & Beverage are among big coffee milk producers in Korea.

The government’s move is part of efforts to curb caffeine consumption among children. Their caffeine consumption has increased a lot recently, with energy drinks being considered the main contributor.

Last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a warning against caffeine overdoses among young people, saying it can pose serious public health threats as they grow older. WHO also urged countries to take measures to reduce caffeine consumption among the young.

Caffeine causes sleeping prevention and improved endurance. But, health experts warn overdoses or a long exposure to the substance can result in sleep and anxiety disorders, addiction and possible heart problems, among others. In May last year, an 18-year-old U.S. teenager died after overdosing on caffeine powder.

According to the ministry guidelines for caffeine consumption, adults are not supposed to take more than 400 milligrams of caffeine a day; pregnant women no more than 300 milligrams; and children no more than 2.5 milligrams per kilogram of their weight.