Energy drink debate ignites in N.B. as Quebec pharmacies remove them from shelves

Energy drinks may contain high levels of caffeine, sugar and other ingredients which boost blood sugar. (SolStock/E+/Getty Images via CNN Newsource)

A growing movement in Quebec aimed at restricting youth access to energy drinks is beginning to spark conversation in New Brunswick.

Familiprix, a pharmacy chain that owns stores in Quebec and New Brunswick, announced this week it’s removing energy drinks from shelves at 455 affiliated stores.

The company says the drinks will stay off the shelves until governments establish clearer regulations around access to the products.

The move comes amid pressure in Quebec following the death of 15-year-old Zachary Miron in 2024. It was reported that a combination of ADHD medication and caffeine from an energy drink likely caused a fatal heart arrhythmia.

Quebec Solidaire MNA Guillaume Cliche-Rivard has helped lead a petition calling for the province to ban energy drink sales to children under 16. The petition has gathered more than 35,000 signatures.

“I think it’s now time for the government to move upon and move with a serious piece of legislation that would allow us to protect the children,” Cliche-Rivard said.

The issue is also drawing attention from pharmacists.

Moncton pharmacist Peter Ford says he believes the risks tied to energy drinks go beyond caffeine alone.

“I don’t think they’re safe for anybody under 20,” he said. He added that other ingredients can also raise concerns.

“They’re also laced with taurine, which is an amino acid and it can have serious effects on the heart… so it might stimulate maybe AFib (atrial fibrillation) or some kind of irregular heartbeat.”

Some New Brunswick high school students interviewed by CTV News said energy drinks are already a regular part of student culture.

“I see a lot of students bringing back like four to six Red Bulls and be like, ‘oh, trying to build up my tolerance,’… but it’s really bad for them so I definitely support a ban,” one student said.

Another student said removing the drinks from pharmacy shelves may not completely solve the issue, but it’s a step in the right direction.

CTV News reached out to Jean Coutu for comment following the Familiprix announcement, asking if Jean Coutu stores would be pulling energy drinks from store shelves in New Brunswick. A spokesperson with the company responded Thursday by saying it had “no announcements to make.”

Jean Coutu clarified Friday that three of its stores in Jonquère, Que., have decided to remove the drinks as part of a local initiative. It doesn’t appear Jean Coutu is removing any energy drinks from its New Brunswick locations at this time.

In a statement to CTV News, president of The Canadian Beverage Association (CBA) Krista Scaldwell says the CBA “respects the decisions of individual retailers. Energy drinks are already strictly regulated by Health Canada’s Supplemented Foods regulatory framework — a rigorous, evidence-based framework mandating product caffeine limits, packaging to clearly disclose caffeine content and a cautionary statement outlining those who may be sensitive to caffeine.

“Clear communication, transparent labelling, and public education remain our strongest tools for ensuring informed caffeine consumption for all consumers, regardless of age. CBA members remain committed to working with federal and provincial public health authorities, retailers, and stakeholders as constructive and transparent partners in that effort.”

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.