Lawmakers Call on FDA to Regulate Energy Drinks

Two U.S. senators asked the Food and Drug Administration to eliminate regulatory loopholes that permit energy-drink manufacturers to sell drinks without disclosing high levels of caffeine last week.

This request follows after the agency released findings from its investigation into five deaths that were allegedly linked to the consumption of Monster energy drinks. Under current FDA regulations, the makers of energy drinks are not required to disclose ingredients on the label because they are considered natural food products.

Consumer reports suggest many energy drinks contain higher levels of caffeine than their packaging indicates or do not even list caffeine as an ingredient. Studies reveal that one energy drink can contain four to five times more caffeine than the average soda.

These drinks are often marketed to children and teenagers, who have a lower tolerance level to caffeine. Pediatricians agree that energy drinks can cause dangerous side effects in young people. One pediatric medical journal found that energy drinks may cause heart palpitations, strokes, seizures and even sudden death in children and teens. These side effects can occur with as little as two drinks.

In the last year, many parents have begun to fight back, filing lawsuits against these large manufacturers and complaints with the FDA. If your child suffered a serious health problem after consuming an energy drink, an attorney can help you understand your legal rights.

Theories of personal injury law and products liability law may be used to hold energy-drink makers legally responsible for your injury or loss. For a complimentary consultation, contact Broussard, David & Moroux at 888-337-2323(toll-free) or 337-337-2323 (local).