By BILLY ADAMS

Health warnings are to appear on energy drinks popular with clubbers and children in response to concerns about the high levels of caffeine they contain.

Ministers yesterday backed proposals for labels which will warn consumers that the drinks, such as Red Bull and 'V', are not recommended for children, pregnant women or people sensitive to caffeine.

The decision was taken at the first meeting of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Council in Adelaide.

A council spokeswoman said the "rigorous labelling" could be on cans within a few weeks. "We are sure that this will protect the health and safety of people who drink these products," the spokeswoman said.

"I think it would be unlikely that any schools would continue to sell them with these labels."

The labels will also recommend a maximum daily intake for the drinks. 'V' already carries a label warning that it is not suitable for children or people who are sensitive to caffeine.

Red Bull also carries a warning label that it is not suitable for children or for people who are sensitive to caffeine.

But the new regulations mean the warnings will have to include pregnant women, and will extend to all energy drinks.

The council also agreed on minimum standards for so-called "icon" foods. These included that chocolate should contain no less than 20 per cent cocoa solids and that fruit drinks should have at least 5 per cent fruit.

Food council spokeswoman Kay McNiece said that most "icon" foods on sale already met the right levels.

It is believed that NZ and Australia are the first countries to require energy drinks to carry health warnings.

Sales of the drinks - which generally contain caffeine equivalent to a strong cup of coffee - have boomed worldwide in recent years.

Last year, a study by the University of Sydney found that almost one-third of boys and just over 10 per cent of girls aged between eight and 12 were regular consumers.

But senior nutritionist Dr Jenny O'Dea said caffeine caused a number of negative symptoms in children, including jitteriness, sleep disturbance and anxiety.

Last month Swedish authorities launched an investigation into Red Bull after the drink was linked to the deaths of two people who mixed it with vodka, and of a third who consumed several cans after a gym workout.

The Swedish National Food Administration told people not to mix the drink with alcohol or drink it after exercise.

Researchers are examining the effects of caffeine and taurine - two of Red Bull's main ingredients.

Taurine, a building block of protein, is considered beneficial in small doses.

Red Bull's makers deny any connection with the fatalities, saying it is more likely alcohol was a factor.

Yesterday's decision clears the way for Formulated Caffeinated Beverages to be made in Australia.

The Australian Consumers Association welcomed the plans but said the labels had to be clearly visible.

Spokeswoman Rebecca Smith said: "We have serious concerns about these drinks' marketing and availability, especially to children."