Food for thought: Food and drink regulatory update, Summer 2026

05 August 2026

We're pleased to share the summer edition of our quarterly food and drink regulatory update.

This summer saw the outcome of last year's consultation on banning the sale of energy drinks to under-16s in England, confirming that any drink, other than tea or coffee, containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre will be banned from sale to under-16s. Selling energy drinks to under-16s will become a criminal offence under the Food Safety Act 1990, with local authorities also expected to have powers to issue fixed monetary penalties. The ban is expected to come into force from April 2027, subject to parliamentary approval.

As well as the incoming energy drinks ban, this edition also includes:

We welcome feedback on the content of this update, including any topics you would like us to cover in future editions.

All the best,

The food and drink sector team

Rachel Lyne

Partner

Katharine Mason

Principal Associate

Andrew Noble

Partner

Ishaan Bedi

Trainee Solicitor

Sam Sharp

Partner

sam.sharp@brownejacobson.com

+44 (0)115 908 4812

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Food and drink

Manufacturing and industrials

05 August 2026

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Food for thought: Food and drink regulatory update, Summer 2026

Contents

Contributors

Rachel Lyne

Partner

Katharine Mason

Principal Associate

Andrew Noble

Partner

Ishaan Bedi

Trainee Solicitor

Contact

Sam Sharp

Discover more

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