KUWAIT: Health Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi has issued a ministerial decree on Wednesday regulating the availability, sale and promotion of energy drinks in Kuwait. The new regulations ban the sale of these drinks in schools, universities, government institutions, restaurants, cafes, grocery stores (baqalas), food trucks, vending machines and delivery platforms. Sales are permitted only in cooperative societies and supermarkets, subject to age and quantity restrictions.
The decision prohibits the sale of energy drinks to individuals under 18 years of age. Individual consumption is restricted to two cans daily, with each 250 ml container limited to 80 mg of caffeine. Additionally, producers and importers are required to display clear health warnings on packaging. All forms of commercial advertising, sponsorships and promotional campaigns for energy drinks are prohibited.
The ministry emphasized that these steps are part of broader efforts to protect public health, particularly among youth, by reducing access to high-caffeine beverages and preventing potential health risks associated with excessive consumption.
Dr Al-Awadhi issued another ministerial decree regulating the licensing and operation of therapeutic nutrition consultation units and centers in the private healthcare sector. The decision introduces unified scientific, technical and administrative standards to improve service quality, protect patients and regulate professional practice amid the sector’s expansion.
Existing licensed providers have been given a one-year grace period to comply. The regulation applies broadly to clinics, specialized centers, meal-planning companies, sports clubs and health institutes offering nutrition consultations, marking a key step in strengthening healthcare standards and oversight.
