The drink continues to dominate the world's energy drinks markets with 60 per cent share of worldwide sales volume. According to Mintel, the Austria-based company's turnover in 2004 was $2020bn, an increase of 32.3 per cent from 2003.
NSF developed the 'Certified for Sport' classification in response to growing concern from amateur and professional athletes about banned substances in sports supplements. The program is designed to minimize the risk that a dietary supplement or sports nutrition product contains banned substances.
"Red Bull's continued commitment will help amateur and pro athletes make more informed decision when it comes to choosing dietary supplements and functional foods," said Kathy Jordan, general manager, NSF dietary supplement and functional foods certification program.
The certification of Red Bull means the drink will bear the NSF 'Certified for Sport' Mark on the label to show athletes, coaches and consumers that a dietary supplement or sport nutrition product has met NSF's stringent criteria.
The criteria involves a toxicology review, a good manufacturing practice (GMP) inspection, laboratory analysis for banned substances, and a formulation and label review to show that the contents of the drink match the label.
Dr Daniel Fabricant, vice president of scientific affairs for the industry association, the National Nutritional Foods Association, told NutraIngredients-USA.com that the issue of is a great concern to the industry, and clearly in the focus of its' critics.
"We hope any product containing legal stimulants, like caffeine, will be used responsibly, especially for sports where dehydration may be a concern.
Still any program that helps to address this issue, by testingproducts that are traditionally used by athletes, for example proteinpowders and creatine, is truly a great benefit to the industry to helpin taking on the misconception that there is rampant contamination ofthese (sports nutritional/dietary supplement) products.
We hope that more dietary supplement manufacturers follow suit and participate in such programs in the future," he said.
Interestingly, the drink is currently banned in France on the advice of the country's health and food safety authorities, partly because of concerns at the drink's high caffeine content.
The company however reports that the caffeine content of one can is about the same as a cup of coffee. The drink also contains taurine, an essential amino acid reported to be an antioxidant, and the B vitamins B3 (niacin), B6 and B12.
The NSF accreditation is in-line with the global marketing program of Red Bull, who have firmly attached themselves to a variety of sports, particularly extreme sports.