Brussels, 18/07/2002 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday, the Commission proposed labelling rules in favour of consumers who wish to avoid beverages or foodstuffs containing caffeine or quinine, or high caffeine levels. Even when absorbed in tiny quantities, these substances may entail adverse effects for health among some people. The new labelling rules will be put to EP and Council co-decision. They could enter into force on 1 January 2004. The new rules will make it compulsory to include caffeine and quinine in the list of ingredients contained in the food product. For caffeine, it will apply to drinks containing more than 150 milligrams of caffeine per litre such as so-called "energy drinks". Ordinary cola-based soft drinks will not require compulsory labelling as their caffeine content is less then this amount. This is also true for tea and coffee-based drinks, as long as the name of the drink makes it clear it has been made from tea or coffee.