French ban on Red Bull upheld

The European Court of Justice has upheld France's decision to hold back authorisation of the energy drink Red Bull on the grounds of the drink's high caffeine content. The European Commission was challenging France's ban on vitamin-fortified foods. Last Thursday, the European Court ruled that France must allow fortified products to be sold within its borders ­ but it made an exception for Red Bull. The court said it would allow nations to ban products if the country's health authorities had made a detailed assessment. French authorities ruled that Red Bull had excessive caffeine. A committee of French scientists also expressed concern about products containing taurine and glucuronolactone, such as Red Bull. Critics have suggested Red Bull, which sold 213 million cans in the UK on-trade last year, can cause health problems due to its effects on the heart and circulation. The manufacturer, however, maintain that no-one has ever proved Red Bull has harmful effects. A statement from the manufacturer said restrictions imposed in France, and also Denmark, are "of a regulatory nature", not linked to health fears. It said the ruling "means no change".