The Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) has issued a warning to consumers about the dangers of mixing alcoholic beverages with caffeinated energy drinks. According to TBS director general Ashura Katunzi, this combination can mask the effects of intoxication and encourage excessive drinking. The warning comes ahead of the festive season, when demand for alcoholic beverages and other consumer goods typically rises.
Dr Katunzi explained that caffeine can make drinkers feel alert without reducing the amount of alcohol in their bloodstream or restoring their ability to make sound decisions. She stated that when alcohol is mixed with a caffeinated energy drink, the caffeine suppresses the intoxicating effect of the alcohol, giving drinkers a false sense of alertness and soberness.
The TBS director general cautioned that feeling awake does not mean someone is sober or fit to drive, as the combination can leave drinkers unaware of their impaired judgement and coordination. She emphasized that compliance with quality standards does not eliminate the health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption or mixing alcohol with energy drinks.
To ensure consumer safety, TBS has implemented a Pre-Shipment Verification of Conformity (PVoC) arrangement, where third-party inspection firms inspect, sample, and test alcoholic beverages and other consumer goods in exporting countries before issuing Certificates of Conformity. At entry points, TBS inspectors verify consignment documents and conduct selective physical sampling.
In addition to its regulatory work, TBS has made significant progress in supporting manufacturers and protecting consumers. During the Sixth Phase Government, the bureau developed 3,901 standards and issued 3,940 quality certificates and licences to manufacturers, including 1,683 small entrepreneurs. The government allocates over Sh300 million annually to provide free services to small businesses.
TBS has also registered 9,731 food and cosmetic products and 80,836 premises used for their production, sale, distribution, and storage. The bureau's laboratories have received international accreditation, with over 188,952 samples tested and 54,396 instruments calibrated during the period. TBS has inspected 183,186 consignments before shipment and 426,842 after arrival.
The government is nearing completion of a Sh24.7 billion project, Viwango House in Njedengwa, Dodoma, which will bring TBS services closer to the public and reduce the cost of accessing them. The project includes laboratories and offices, and is expected to enhance the bureau's ability to regulate and monitor consumer goods.
Key points
- Mixing alcohol with caffeinated energy drinks can mask the effects of intoxication and encourage excessive drinking.
- TBS has implemented a Pre-Shipment Verification of Conformity arrangement to ensure consumer safety.
- The bureau has made significant progress in supporting manufacturers and protecting consumers, including developing 3,901 standards and issuing 3,940 quality certificates and licences.
