Food department urges children, pregnant women to avoid energy drinks

The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control, which works under the Ministry of Health and Food Safety, has asked children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with illnesses such as diabetes, and people sensitive to caffeine not to consume energy drinks. In a notice issued on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the department also advised people who can drink them to have no more than two cans a day.

The notice was addressed to consumers, producers and other stakeholders on the safe use of energy drinks, according to reports by Nagarik News, Gorkhapatra, DC Nepal, Kendrabindu and Ratopati.

Caffeine content

According to the department, 17 companies currently hold permission from the relevant authorities to produce and sell energy drinks in Nepal. Their product labels and laboratory analysis reports show 100 milligrams of caffeine per can, the department said. It said this amount was less than 25 percent of the safe daily caffeine limit for healthy adults.

The department also asked people not to use energy drinks in place of nutritious drinks such as water, juice, milk or buttermilk, and not to mix them with other drinks.

Producers and sellers

Producers and sellers were asked to advertise and promote energy drinks only after obtaining the permission required by law, and to communicate clearly the warning messages and safe-use information printed on product labels.

The department said businesses acting against the Food Hygiene and Quality Act, 2081 would face action under the law. It also asked stakeholders to share information on food quality based on scientific facts and international standards.