Familiprix Removes Energy Drinks from Quebec Stores

Quebec pharmacies are pulling high-caffeine energy drinks from their shelves amid mounting pressure to restrict sales to minors, following the death of a teenager last year.

The Familiprix chain, one of the province's largest pharmacy networks, announced it has removed energy drinks from all its locations. Quebec's Order of Pharmacists has endorsed calls to limit sales to those aged 16 and older, citing health risks associated with the beverages' high caffeine content.

The move comes in response to the January death of 15-year-old Zachary Miron, who suffered a fatal reaction after consuming a can of Red Bull while taking medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Miron's parents have led a campaign urging the provincial government to ban energy drink sales to children.

In March, the family launched an online petition on the Quebec government's website, which has since gathered more than 35,000 signatures. The effort has drawn widespread support from parents, teachers, schools, school boards, public health associations, junior sports leagues and several Quebec politicians.

Public health experts have long raised concerns about energy drinks, which often contain...