Selling coffee will be completely banned at elementary, middle and high schools starting mid-September, the food ministry said Tuesday.

The ban will become effective as of Sept. 14 following a law revision, according to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Foods and beverages with high levels of caffeine are already prohibited at such schools, but coffee sales were allowed for adult teaching staff, with vending machines readily accessible to students.

The ministry recommends no more than 2.5 milligrams of caffeine per 1 kilogram of weight per day for children and youth, and warns excess intake could cause nausea, irregular heart beat and sleep disorders. (yonhap)

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