Parents, schools, leagues align to urge Quebec to ban energy drinks for teens
The parents of 15-year-old Zachary Miron, who died after consuming an energy drink while on a school ski trip, are leading a campaign to ban the sale of energy drinks to those under 16 in Quebec. They are joined by schools, sports leagues, and health experts who warn of serious health risks for youth linked to high-caffeine beverages. The Quebec government is considering regulatory action, following examples from other countries and increased pressure from advocacy groups.
- ▪Zachary Miron died in January 2024 after drinking Red Bull while on a school ski trip, with a coroner linking his death to caffeine interacting with ADHD medication.
- ▪Over 31,000 signatures have been collected on a Quebec government petition, supported by schools, public health groups, and youth sports leagues representing one million young people.
- ▪Similar bans on energy drink sales to minors exist in Norway, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, parts of Sweden, and the UK, which banned sales to under-16s over health concerns.
- ▪Quebec’s health minister, Sonia Bélanger, confirmed discussions with public health officials and other provinces to evaluate science-based regulatory options.
- ▪The federal government classifies energy drinks as 'supplemented foods' and has strengthened labelling requirements, though medical groups advocate for stricter controls.
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Open this photo in gallery:Veronica Martinez, whose son Zachary died after drinking an energy drink while skiing, speaks at the Quebec legislature on April 1. With her are father David Miron, centre, and Quebec solidaire MNA Guillaume Cliche-Rivard.Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian PressShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountEver since 15-year-old Zachary Miron died after drinking a can of Red Bull while on a school ski trip in January, 2024, his parents have been fighting a battle to ban energy drinks for children under 16.A coroner’s report said the combination of medication he was taking for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and the caffeine from the energy drink likely caused an arrhythmia that led to his sudden death.His parents, Veronica…
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