Written question asked by Ian Lucas (Labour) on Monday, 26 March 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 April 2012. It was answered by Anne Milton (Conservative) on Monday, 16 April 2012 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Soft Drinks: Taurine

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will assess the health effects on young people of levels of taurine in energy drinks.

Answer: We are advised by the Food Standards Agency that taurine is a naturally occurring compound which is used as an ingredient in energy drinks. The safety-in-use of taurine was reviewed in 2009, when it was concluded that exposure to taurine at the levels used in energy drinks was not of safety concern.At present there are no plans to assess the health effects of taurine. However, the safety-in-use of food additives and ingredients remains under review and should any new information become available this will be considered and action taken as appropriate.

Secondary information