Current status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 11 February 2026
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will commission research into any impact of fast release caffeine products on children and young people, including caffeinated chewing gum, in particular for those who participate in athletics, sport and physical activity, to determine whether their use by under 18s should be banned.
The Scottish Government recognises concerns in relation to the use of fast release caffeine products on children and young people, including caffeinated chewing gum, for those who participate in physical activity.
While risk analysis of regulated food products is now a GB responsibility, there has been no change to the scientific advice on caffeine since 2015 when extensive evidence was considered by the European Food Safety Authority. Food Standards Scotland and the Food Standards Agency has published joint guidance to support the safe consumption of food supplements containing high levels of caffeine.
We do, however, recognise that evidence in relation to caffeine consumption continues to evolve and will continue to keep the evidence under review.