Calgary mother pushing for energy drink ban for youth
Jennifer Koo advocates age restrictions after Quebec teen's death linked to energy drink and ADHD medication.
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A Calgary parent is calling on Alberta to ban energy drink sales to anyone under 16, arguing the province's lack of age restrictions leaves youth exposed to products that carry their own warning labels.
Jennifer Koo's advocacy follows a coroner's report in Quebec finding that 15-year-old Zachary Miron died in January 2024 after caffeine from an energy drink triggered an arrhythmia when combined with his ADHD medication. His death prompted Quebec to study a ban on energy-drink sales to minors under 16.
"As a parent I felt crushed for Zachery's parents," Koo said. "I immediately felt a sense of validation for the path that I was on."
Health Canada requires cautionary labels on caffeinated energy drinks stating they are "not recommended for those under 14 years old," yet Alberta has no restrictions on youth purchases. Koo has partnered with researchers at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology to develop a caffeine-free alternative called League, which contains no stimulants or artificial sweeteners.
Koo believes momentum could grow nationally if Quebec proceeds with its proposed ban, putting pressure on other provinces to act. "That broader advocacy is absolutely on our road map," she said.
Alberta's Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services said it is not considering legislative or regulatory changes but is watching how other jurisdictions approach the issue.
The case highlights a gap between federal guidance and provincial regulation—a pattern that leaves young Albertans in a legally permissive but medically cautioned zone.