Kyrgyzstan may completely ban the production, sale, and import of energy drinks

In Kyrgyzstan, the head of state has instructed the Cabinet of Ministers to prepare measures for the complete withdrawal of energy drinks from the market. The initiative will affect their sale, production, and import.

The government must develop the ban within a month. Subsequently, changes to legislation and the regulatory system are planned to be adopted within six months. The final decision has not yet come into force.

Japarov stated that protecting the health of citizens and the younger generation should take priority over budget revenues. According to preliminary calculations by relevant agencies, a complete refusal to import and produce energy drinks could reduce tax revenues to the treasury by approximately 1.5 billion soms in the form of direct and indirect taxes.

Previously, Kyrgyzstan had already restricted the distribution of such products: their advertising was banned, and sales to minors were prohibited. The new initiative proposes a stricter measure—a ban on the presence of energy drinks in the market.

The source also notes potential risks of excessive consumption of these beverages, including rapid heartbeat, temporary increases in blood pressure, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. A half-liter can of some energy drinks may contain about 50–60 grams of added sugar, compared to the World Health Organization's guideline of 25 grams of free sugars per day. Meanwhile, the composition of the drinks varies, and existing research does not confirm that their consumption inevitably leads to chronic diseases or addiction. Long-term effects on children and adolescents are limitedly studied.