Caffeine-based energy drinks should feature printed labels with warnings about their potential dangers, according to one source.

Hugh Melamdowitz, an intellectual property specialist at law firm Spoor & Fisher, was speaking to Cape Business News about government plans in South Africa to change legislation relating to such products.

A draft bill has been put forward under section 15(1) of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act of 1972 that would see energy drinks manufacturers having to tell consumers clearly how much caffeine is contained within each drink.

If it is passed, there would also need to be instructions for pregnant women and other at-risk groups to avoid such drinks, suggesting booklet labels may be necessary to fit in all the new information.

Mr Melamdowitz said he thinks this would be a good idea everywhere energy drinks are sold.

"Without adequate and prominent labelling, consumers are less likely to understand whether they are getting a little or a lot of caffeine," he added.

Meanwhile, according to the Worksop Guardian, entrepreneur Lynwen Harrison would sidestep such legislation were it ever introduced in Britain, as she has developed the first fresh dairy-based sports recovery drink for use by athletes.