Congressman Urges FTC Review of Energy Drink Ads

A Democratic congressman is calling upon the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to review the advertising claims made by energy drink manufacturers following the release of adverse event reports that include 18 deaths possibly linked to the highly caffeinated beverages.

The New York Times reports that U.S. Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) sent a letter to the agency asking it to look into the advertising claims for energy drinks and expressing his concern that the companies are directing their appeals to a young audience.

Energy drink makers have argued that all their claims are supported and none of their energy drink ads target children who are 12 or under. They also deny the drinks led to the deaths or injuries reported in the Food and Drug Administration’s adverse event reports.

Energy drinks such as 5-hour Energy, Monster Energy, and Rockstar Energy typically claim that the products can make users more alert and less fatigued. However, energy drinks often contain high levels of caffeine, Vitamin B, and taurine, which may not be safe for teenagers who often consume such drinks.

Most of the adverse event reports from both the USA and Canada involved teenagers. However, an FDA incident report does not mean that a product is the cause of an injury or death because the reports do not consider whether other factors, such as alcohol or drugs, may also have played a role.

Markey’s letter to the FTC has urged that the agency investigate the authenticity of the claims and decide what action should be taken, reports The New York Times.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by an unsafe product, contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation and to know if a product liability lawyer may be able to help you.

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