Hundreds of highly caffeinated beverages have been removed from shelves in a crackdown on potentially harmful energy drinks.
Beverages with almost double the maximum allowed caffeine content are among almost 700 drinks seized during inspections of more than 100 retailers in South Australia.
Inspectors found 18 were selling non-compliant energy drink products, SA Health said on Tuesday. Warning letters were issued to 13 businesses and two were fined a total of $3000.
The most caffeinated energy drinks seized were labelled GFUEL, Bang, and Raze Energy, which contained 300 milligrams of caffeine in each 473ml can, SA Health alleged, which is the equivalent to the caffeine content in nine cans of Coca-Cola.
Under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, it is illegal to sell energy drinks which contain more than 320mg/L of caffeine.
Other energy drinks allegedly found to exceed regulations were branded C4, Ghost, Ryse Fuel, 3D and Redcon1, with products seized containing 200 milligrams of caffeine in 473ml cans.
While there is no nationally recognised safe level of caffeine consumption, large amounts can cause insomnia, anxiety and depression as well as cardiovascular issues, heartburn, ulcers, seizures and in rare cases, death.
Generally considered safe for healthy adults is a daily total of 400mg and a maximum of 200mg in a single serving, while people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not exceed 200mg a day.
It was tricky to tell which energy drinks contain excessive amounts of caffeine without looking closely at the label, acting Chief Public Health Officer Chris Lease said.
"Before you check out, check the label for the caffeine level," he said.
"We're working with retailers to educate them on the regulations and stop these drinks from making their way onto shelves, and issuing penalties to repeat offenders."
Caffeine was problematic for young people because of their bodies' limited ability to break it down, UniSA Nutrition and Food Sciences program director Evangeline Mantzioris said.
"It increases their risk of heart palpitations, chest pains, shortness of breath and also of fainting," she said.
