Statement of the Ombudsman on the consumption of energy drinks by children

In recent years, the consumption of energy drinks has increased in Azerbaijan, particularly among children, giving rise to serious concerns about the protection of their right to health.

Monitoring carried out under the Ombudsman’s independent monitoring mechanism mandate, including public places and around educational institutions, indicates that energy drink consumption among children has become widespread. It also found that age restrictions are not adequately enforced, particularly age-control mechanisms, which were largely ineffective in vending machines, automated sales terminals, and retail outlets.

Despite statutory age restrictions on their sale, these products remain easily accessible to children and are openly consumed in public places and around educational institutions, negatively affecting the protection of their right to health.

The persistence of such practices undermines children’s constitutional rights, particularly the protection of their right to health, and hampers their healthy development.

The findings of the monitoring and analysis of international practice indicate a need to strengthen the existing legal framework and oversight mechanisms in Azerbaijan to prevent children’s  consumption of energy drinks.

In light of the above, it is recommended to increase administrative fines for the sale of energy drinks to children; introduce age-verification mechanisms for sales via vending machines or restrict such sales through these devices; strengthen limits on advertising; establish health-risk warnings as an imperative legal norm; and enhance public awareness, along with taking other necessary measures.

You can read the monitoring findings here.