Kazakhstan has banned the sale of energy drinks to individuals under the age of 21 in a bold step to safeguard their health. Young people are among the primary consumers of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), according to a new WHO/Europe policy brief.
The new law, which took effect in January 2025, aims to reduce SSB consumption among children and adolescents in a measure to protect them from numerous noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) later in life, according to the World Health Organization.
According to recent data from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health, over 40% of school-aged children in the country consume energy drinks regularly.
“The new legislation is a welcome step toward safeguarding people’s health and reducing sugar intake among young people, aligning with WHO recommendations,” said Dr Skender Syla, WHO Representative to Kazakhstan.
