In Marrakech, Morocco, the Moroccan Observatory for Consumer Protection has issued a stark recommendation to authorities, urging them to impose a ban on the sale of energy drinks to individuals under the age of 18. This call comes in response to the escalating trend of energy drink consumption among adolescents, coupled with increasing evidence of the beverages’potential health hazards. The observatory’s concerns were outlined in a statement to SNRTnews, emphasizing the dangers that these drinks pose to young consumers.
Hassan Ait Ali, the president of the observatory, highlighted the prevalence of energy drink consumption among Moroccan youth, attributing the trend to aggressive marketing strategies. “These drinks are often linked with energy, performance, extreme sports, and a ‘cool’image that resonates with young people seeking identity and self-affirmation, “Ait Ali explained. He further noted that peer influence plays a significant role in this consumption pattern, with some young people using energy drinks as a means of social integration or as a trendy symbol.
The observatory’s concerns are not unfounded, as international medical research supports their stance. The American Academy of Pediatrics has advised that energy drinks are unsuitable for children and adolescents due to their high caffeine content. The AAP suggests that those under 18 should not consume more than 100 mg of caffeine daily, whereas many energy drinks contain up to 300 mg per serving.
A narrative review published in a peer — reviewed journal in 2026 revealed a 2. 07-fold higher risk of short sleep duration and a higher likelihood of depressive mood among adolescents who chronically consume energy drinks.
The observatory detailed several health consequences associated with energy drink consumption, including cardiovascular issues, nervous system disruptions, sleep disturbances, and the risk of obesity, dental cavities, and mood swings. Medical experts have also warned about the potential for these drinks to exacerbate underlying heart problems and contribute to insulin resistance and diabetes risk.
In addition to the health risks, the observatory expressed concerns about the behavioral impact of energy drinks, particularly when consumed in conjunction with alcohol or during sleep deprivation. Ait Ali also addressed the broader challenge of consumer protection in Morocco, noting that many consumers are hesitant to report issues with products, which hampers the observatory’s ability to detect and address violations effectively.
In light of these findings, the observatory is calling on the Moroccan government to implement several measures, including a ban on energy drink sales to individuals under 18, mandatory clear health warnings on packaging, and national awareness campaigns in schools. It also advocates for more local studies to understand the scale of energy drink consumption and its effects on Moroccan youth. Morocco is not alone in this effort; countries like Kazakhstan, Norway, and Latvia have already implemented restrictions on energy drink sales to younger populations.
Source: moroccoworldnews
Original author: Adil Faouzi
