The authority has sent notices to the companies to rectify labelling of their products within eight months otherwise strict action will be taken on violation. The notice, available with the publication, states that the PFA scientific panel had given eight months to the beverage industry to change the word “energy” on labels of their products, and instead say “stimulant”.
The instructions to beverage firms included mentioning “highly caffeinated drink” on the products, that the drinks were not suitable for pregnant women and children less than 12 years of age. The caffeine quantity should not exceed 200 millilitre and companies should avoid using pharmaceutical ingredients during preparation of the beverages. The panel directed the companies to mention these instructions on the products in Urdu and English languages and also get a halal certificate for them.
