October 26, 2012
FDA Investigates Whether Energy Drinks Caused Deaths
Energy drinks manufactured by Monster Beverage Company have been linked to five deaths in the past year, according to reports submitted to the Food and Drug Administration.
The FDA is investigating the reports but has made clear that it is drawing no conclusions until it has completed its investigation.
Congress is also weighing in. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) has asked the agency to consider placing a limit on the amount of caffeine in energy drinks after the products have been linked to an increase in emergency room visits between 2005 and 2009.
Separately, testing conducted by Consumer Reports has concluded that caffeine levels in energy drinks are often mislabeled. Of 16 products that specified caffeine levels, five were 20 percent above the labeled amount. These included Arizona Energy, Clif Shot Turbo Energy Gel, Nestlé Jamba, Sambazon Organic Amazon Energy, and Venom Energy. One of three samples of Archer Farms Energy Drink Juice Infused had caffeine levels about 70 percent below what was on the label.
Several lawsuits have come out of deaths linked to Monster’s beverages including one from the parent of a 14-year-old girl, Anais Fournier, who died after consuming two drinks. A 24-ounce can of Monster Energy Drink has the caffeine equivalent of seven cups of coffee, according to an article on Forbes.com.
Monster defended its energy drinks as safe and plans to fight any suits brought against it. The company issued a statement to Bloomberg News.
"Over the past 16 years Monster has sold more than 8 billion energy drinks, which have been safely consumed worldwide. Monster does not believe that its beverages are in any way responsible for the death of Ms. Fournier. Monster is unaware of any fatality anywhere that has been caused by its drinks."
Discussion Questions
What should retailers currently selling energy drinks do, considering the alleged links between the beverages and adverse health effects?
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I receive inquires about my consulting and master broker services almost daily about yet another company selling energy drinks. It’s out of control. Everyone and their brothers and uncles want to be in this business. I don’t take on any of these products because the space is way over saturated, but even more so because we don’t really know enough about the real value or possible effects of these types of products.
Well, I’d like to say a warning label should be more than enough, but knowing the way our society is going, they’re more likely to end up behind the counter just like decongestants did.
How does a parent not take responsibility for his or her daughter drinking over a quart of ANYTHING (I assume that’s what 2 drinks of a 24 ounce can is)?
There are a variety of ways retailers can handle sketchy items like “energy” drinks. But parents can make it clear that they’re not welcome in their homes.
If it were my C-Store, I’d put warnings on the frige door… There are so many young men walking in and out of there everyday, I would feel an obligation to inform them.
Even a tragic incident like the unfortunate teen does not constitute evidence that the beverage she consumed was the cause of her demise or a clear risk to others.
Common sense, on the other hand, would suggest that consuming mega-doses of caffeine, plus taurine, sugar and various herbal extracts could pose physical risks comparable to consuming amphetamines or other stimulants. Young people may be more vulnerable to these effects, and parents have a responsibility to guide their safe choices.
Still, I favor mandatory notices on product packages, including disclosure of the caffeine dosage amounts. Restricting sale to 18 and older might be prudent, but also puts a burden on store operators if they are forced to check IDs.
The rate of adverse incidents seems low, but an open examination of any risk will help lead consumers to sound, rational choices. Parents: Guide your kids! It’s far better than suffering a tragedy and suing afterwards.
Every company should state the amount of caffeine in the product. Our SYNC Wellshots, all-natural shots do this. You’ll see our Energy & Focus lists 120mg of Natural Caffeine (from Green Tea) on the label. There is also an age warning.
Then, let the consumer decide.
A retailer might consider a warning sign in the beverage department. “Sugared soft drinks could make you fat, and lead to diabetes.” Beyond that warning there isn’t much of a risk. Why would we waste time on this when much larger, much more obvious problems exist!
Didn’t we all see this coming? This is a consumer and community issue along with the companies that make the drinks.
This is not a decision for retailers to make. The presence of labeled amounts of caffeine in a product clearly falls under the domain of the FDA. Let the FDA investigate and render its decision. The retailers are not the culprits here, and should not be expected to enforce “perceived weaknesses” in laws or legislation, regarding the products they sell.
There is no inherent danger consuming energy drinks AS DIRECTED. Retailers are not obligated to take any action. People need to take responsibility for their own actions and stupidity and, most importantly, parents need to understand that these products are not for children under any circumstances. I have personally witnessed parents allowing children to have these beverages before athletic competition which is perfectly asinine and dangerous. Regulating Energy Drinks should occur after the FDA regulates the ingestion of coffee.