Tesco blasted over drink which turns children 'drunk'

[jaysay]

I have known for a long time that certain types of drink are rocket fuel to some kids. When I was involved with The National Asthma Campaign (now Asthma UK.) we had a leaflet which told you which E numbers and additives to avoid. I know that Vimto is particularly responsible for hyperactivity in some kids, but this is only one example. I never touch orange squash, yet pure orange juice is fine. I think the thing is these days we have to be evermore vigilant to what we eat and drink as the food industry uses more and more chemicals in their products

[AccyLass]

It certainly isn't just tesco that sells them to children... most shops would
As has been said, there are no age restrictions on these items

Although there should be

[Gayle]

Vimto is horrendous. I let my two have Coke before i'd give them Vimto, that's how bad it is.

They went to a friends house for tea a few weeks ago and when I got there to pick them up, all four of the kids were barging around the house, shouting and screaming. She said, 'this has only just started, I don't know what on earth caused it'. It looked like a Vimto reaction to me so I asked her if they'd had any - she checked and sure enough, that's what they'd had with their tea!

[Stanleymad]

One or two flaws, putting an age restriction on these kind of drinks on top of the other age related products would therefore add added strain on a stretched retail establishment - those who work in retail outlets know the pressures, responsibilites etc.

We have age restrictions on challenge 21 compliance all till staff have to be trained in accordance as do the tills, these include knives of any denomination, alcohol, cigs/cig products. flammable, fireworks, any sprays, party poppers [16], paracetamol [16] etc

then even as far as an electric scooter = age 14 +

Anything of the age 18 has to require proof if person doesnt look 21 also added problem of people buyin products for illegiable age groups must be considered also, if seems the case sale to be refused. Till staff & licencee have huge responsibilty already under current guidelines - if caught breaking the conditions the tiller could face an £80 spot fine as also the licencee which could also have licence in jepordy.

So explaining a bit of background, now tell me whether the responsibility should be with the retailer or importantly the buyer, parents should ultamately decide, i have adhd/add/aspergers within family so very aware of the e no issue, i & that family including the sufferer take responsiblity for that as it should be. Seems the nanny state is taking responsibilty off people & now putting it on the retailer, on top the list we already have think is a tad too far, no wonder nobody takes responsibilty for behavour actions etc ---- just blame someone else.

[AccyLass]

I certainly think that parents should be blamed if they do buy this for their children.. same with age restricted products

But I know where I work... children come in often without their parents
Some children buy these drinks... would their parents necessarily know that they are?

[Stanleymad]

Originally Posted by AccyLass28

I certainly think that parents should be blamed if they do buy this for their children.. same with age restricted products

But I know where I work... children come in often without their parents
Some children buy these drinks... would their parents necessarily know that they are?

LOL! Thats the wider picture, dont think many parents know or care where their kids are or what they do - nevermind buy, think we all at sometime have come home with something [legally] & its not gone down well in good old days we would of got a huge tellin off, sanctions and maybe a clout round ear & be enough to know not to do it again, but now could mean parents coming down to the shop to do the above to the retailer I agree there is a lot more kids coming in un-attended quite young these days. Tho as a tiller/retailer u do have a right to refuse should u have any concerns as long as reasonable.

If u put an age restriction then the appeal to the underaged will be hightened & with the ever huge task of having to decipher age & the need to see id, then i think everyone will have to carry id cards from the moment they are born in order to purchase or on behalf off youngsters, making each transaction longer as the queues, we have a miffness with some customers with the current regulations. U wont be able to send yr kid to shop to buy a loaf of bread or milk without id soon lol.

[entwisi]

Taurine only got a food license in the States because George Dubya was financed into office by the company pushing it.

I'd rather not touch teh stuff thanks

[AccyLass]

Originally Posted by Stanleymad

. U wont be able to send yr kid to shop to buy a loaf of bread or milk without id soon lol.

Kids have gotta be good for somet!! lol

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by Gayle

Vimto is horrendous. I let my two have Coke before i'd give them Vimto, that's how bad it is.

They went to a friends house for tea a few weeks ago and when I got there to pick them up, all four of the kids were barging around the house, shouting and screaming. She said, 'this has only just started, I don't know what on earth caused it'. It looked like a Vimto reaction to me so I asked her if they'd had any - she checked and sure enough, that's what they'd had with their tea!

The first time I herd about the effects of Vimto were about 22 years ago when my consultant Prof Ormerod told me about having to ban his kids from having it, what brought that about was there was a bottle on my bedside locker, I haven't touched it since as he said it can sometimes bring on an asthma attack also

[MargaretR]

I have googled for Vimto ingredients and found them on a supermarket site.
There is one secret ingredient which the producers guard as a trade secret,
and has been used since Vimto was first made.
Since the formula originated before the days of food additives, I expect it to be one of the 'herbs' in the list below.

Water, Glucose Fructose Syrup,
Fruit Juice from Concentrate (15%) (grape 12.0%, Blackcurrant 1.7%, Raspberry 1.3%),
Sugar, Citric Acid,
Vimto Flavour (natural Extracts Of Fruits, Herbs, Barley Malt & Spices),
Colour (anthocyanins),
Acidity Regulator (sodium Citrate),
Preservative (sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate),
Vitamin C,
Sweetener (sodium Saccharin).

The villain in this list is
sodium Benzoate - a preservative
which has been the subject of safety concerns because it damages DNA in living cells
see-
Caution: Some soft drinks may seriously harm your health - Health News, Health & Wellbeing - The Independent

[jedimaster]

damn right kids shouldn't be sold these drinks - they'll end up like me

[katex]

Originally Posted by MargaretR

I have googled for Vimto ingredients and found them on a supermarket site.
There is one secret ingredient which the producers guard as a trade secret,
and has been used since Vimto was first made.
Since the formula originated before the days of food additives, I expect it to be one of the 'herbs' in the list below.

Water, Glucose Fructose Syrup,
Fruit Juice from Concentrate (15%) (grape 12.0%, Blackcurrant 1.7%, Raspberry 1.3%),
Sugar, Citric Acid,
Vimto Flavour (natural Extracts Of Fruits, Herbs, Barley Malt & Spices),
Colour (anthocyanins),
Acidity Regulator (sodium Citrate),
Preservative (sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate),
Vitamin C,
Sweetener (sodium Saccharin).

The villain in this list is
sodium Benzoate - a preservative
which has been the subject of safety concerns because it damages DNA in living cells
see-
Caution: Some soft drinks may seriously harm your health - Health News, Health & Wellbeing - The Independent

Can always google a counter argument Margaret :-

Sense About Science | Sodium benzoate

Have a bottle here (the cordial) .. no mention of any caffeine, which is what is usually blamed for making children high. Only thing it says is to mix with 4 parts water -add extra for toddlers (maybe for chance they might spill it, and leave stains ..)

Never liked to buy fizzy drinks anyway for my children/grandaughter, as didn't like them to have them with meals ... gave 'em wind and made food sit heavy.

[cmonstanley]

Originally Posted by Stanleymad

One or two flaws, putting an age restriction on these kind of drinks on top of the other age related products would therefore add added strain on a stretched retail establishment - those who work in retail outlets know the pressures, responsibilites etc.

We have age restrictions on challenge 21 compliance all till staff have to be trained in accordance as do the tills, these include knives of any denomination, alcohol, cigs/cig products. flammable, fireworks, any sprays, party poppers [16], paracetamol [16] etc

then even as far as an electric scooter = age 14 +

Anything of the age 18 has to require proof if person doesnt look 21 also added problem of people buyin products for illegiable age groups must be considered also, if seems the case sale to be refused. Till staff & licencee have huge responsibilty already under current guidelines - if caught breaking the conditions the tiller could face an £80 spot fine as also the licencee which could also have licence in jepordy.

So explaining a bit of background, now tell me whether the responsibility should be with the retailer or importantly the buyer, parents should ultamately decide, i have adhd/add/aspergers within family so very aware of the e no issue, i & that family including the sufferer take responsiblity for that as it should be. Seems the nanny state is taking responsibilty off people & now putting it on the retailer, on top the list we already have think is a tad too far, no wonder nobody takes responsibilty for behavour actions etc ---- just blame someone else.

its already in place up here in sunny north ayrshire,,,