Dubai Central Laboratory to test energy drinks

Experts at Dubai’s Central Laboratory (DCL) are to examine energy drinks to ensure they meet UAE health standards, the head of the lab said.

Hawa Bastaki, who runs the Dubai Municipality department, said the Food and Environment Lab Section of the DCL will verify the quality and safety of energy drinks to make sure they comply with approved specifications.

In a municipality statement, Bastaki said that energy drinks, as per standard specifications, are considered as soft drinks and are prepared using the pure drinkable water in addition to carbohydrates such as sugar, glucose, fructose, caffeine, vitamins, amino acids and herbal extracts to give flavour and fragrance.

Maha Al Hajri, the Head of Food and Environment Laboratory, said they would be checking the percentage of caffeine, artificial colours, preservatives, sweeteners, natural and industrial remnants and alcohol in energy drinks.

“The section also undertakes periodic checks to energy drinks like counting total bacteria, coliform bacteria, fecal, yeasts and fungi to ensure consumer safety,” Hajri said.