FSANZ Initial Assessment Report

Re: FSANZ Initial Assessment Report – Proposal P260 – Use of Non-Culinary Herbs in Food.

23 October 2003

Red Bull® Energy Drink

Following the release of an initial assessment report by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) inviting public comment on the ‘use of non-culinary herbs in foods’ such as guarana, Red Bull® New Zealand wishes to advise that Red Bull® energy drink does not contain any of the herbs within the scope of the review unlike other brands such as V and Lift Plus.

The FSANZ assessment report states that in recent years, there has been an increase in both the number and extent of use of non-culinary herbs in food products, particularly beverages. The majority of these herbs, while they may have a tradition of use as ingredients in therapeutic goods, have never been assessed for their safety as food ingredients. Their use in foods may potentially present a greater health risk than their use in therapeutic goods since, in the case of food use, the risk management options are fewer and there is greater potential for high exposure to a broader segment of the population.

Red Bull energy drink’s unique blend and level of ingredients including; taurine, glucuronolactone, caffeine and vitamins, is proven to energise, stimulate and enhance both mental and physical performance. This effect is confirmed by millions of consumers as well as amateur and professional athletes and is backed by independent scientific and medical studies. (Studies available on request).

Red Bull pioneered the energy drink category following its launch in Austria in 1987. With a global market share of 70%, Red Bull is distributed in over 96 countries and sold around 1.2 billion cans worldwide last year.

PRODUCT NAME

Red Bull energy drink /Red Bull Sugarfree - NON-CULINARY HERB INGREDIENTS - nil

V energy drink/V Sugarfree - NON-CULINARY HERB INGREDIENTS - Guarana

Lift Plus - NON-CULINARY HERB INGREDIENTS - Guarana, Ginseng

Red Eye - NON-CULINARY HERB INGREDIENTS - Guarana, Gingko, Biloba, Ginseng

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