Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) has confirmed that the energy drink 'Monster' is compliant with its standards and specification.

The authority issued the statement on the basis of laboratory tests done on random samples of the product in its various flavours gathered from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region.

Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa, director of Communication and Community Service at ADFCA, disclosed that the authority's labs had conducted a number of chemical and microbiological tests on several samples of the product after news about fatal health hazards due to its consumption was reported from the US and found that it complied with all the specifications governing energy drinks in the UAE.

He, however, pointed out that examination of the food label on the product revealed non-compliance with the specifications because of not containing the required data such as the permissible maximum daily intake.

"Although the instructions for use were written in English on the label, they were not sufficiently reflected in Arabic, especially about the percentage of caffeine. At the same time, the percentage of caffeine was within the permissible level. The supplier of the product has been instructed to make sure all the details are printed on the label so the consumer is fully aware of the product," he explained.

Al Reyaysa stressed the importance of reading food labels for all products before use and the need for them to be available in Arabic.

"ADFCA constantly follows developments in the food sector in different countries of the world through the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN), which keeps the Authority up to date with food sector developments across the world, enabling it to take preemptive action for guaranteeing food safety," he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service