Cambodia Prohibits Energy Drinks in Educational Institutions

Phnom Penh, Dec 10 (NationPress) On Tuesday, Cambodia enacted a ban on energy drinks in schools as the Southeast Asian nation has witnessed a notable surge in diabetes cases among young individuals.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron stated that this initiative aims to mitigate the risk of non-communicable diseases, particularly diabetes, which is linked to the intake of sugary and energy beverages.

"The consumption, distribution, sale, and advertisement of all types of energy drinks within and around school premises are strictly forbidden," he declared in a directive, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

This ban applies to all public and private educational establishments, along with technical education institutions nationwide.

Naron encouraged schools to inform students about the adverse effects of energy drinks during the flag-raising ceremonies.

Furthermore, he instructed educational institutions to confiscate energy drinks from vendors located in and around schools and to terminate their leasing agreements if they violate the prohibition.

This ban was announced shortly after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted a rise in diabetes cases and directed the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport to take preventive measures for students' health.

"Some children are consuming as many as three cans of sugary or energy drinks daily," he remarked at a groundbreaking event for the University of Health Sciences Hospital in Phnom Penh.

As per Minister of Health Chheang Ra, diabetes is a significant contributor to mortality rates in Cambodia.

He noted that while infectious diseases were historically the leading cause of death in the country, non-communicable diseases now account for over half of all fatalities.

The minister identified four primary categories of non-communicable diseases: heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions.