Beverage makers will soon have to keep caffeine in their energyand non-carbonated drinks under a legal limit. The government has formed an expert group which will recommend a limit for such content.

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, minister of state for health, Dinesh Trivedi has said that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has constituted the group to suggest safety and products standard for these drinks. The limit of caffeine in these drinks will be regulated under the Food Regulations Act.

“The group would examine the scientific literature and global position on use of caffeine and beverages and their labeling,” the minister said in his reply.

The directors of National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad and Central Food Toxicological Research Institute, Mysore will be on the expert group. Commissioners of Food and Drugs Administration, Maharashtra and Food Safety, Chennai, Tamil Nadu are also on the group amongst others.

“The standards will be set after consultation with stakeholders and after risk assessment. Therefore, it is not feasible to indicate a definite time frame,” said the press note.