FDA Injury Reports on Top Energy Drinks Released
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released its records of the injury filings and fatalities associated with the nation’s top three energy-drink brands -- Rockstar Energy, 5-Hour Energy, and Monster Energy.
The New York Times reports the FDA received over 90 filings regarding 5-Hour Energy including its possible link to 13 deaths. The records also revealed 13 undisclosed injury filings associated with Rockstar Energy, and five fatality reports that named Monster Energy.
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.
The makers of 5-Hour Energy and Monster Energy have claimed that their products are safe and not linked with the problems reported to the FDA, reports The New York Times. The maker of Rockstar could not be reached for comment.
The FDA, under the Freedom of Information Act, released the reports about Monster Energy and 5-Hour Energy. The agency does not usually release adverse event reports about dietary supplements.
Although lawmakers are pushing the FDA to tighten up the rules for energy drinks, the agency maintains that the evidence of health hazards is insufficient so it has not taken action against the category.
Beverage Digest reports energy drink sales were $8.9 billion last year. Ironically the number of emergency room visits associated with these drinks also increased tenfold to 12,000 in 2009 as compared to 2005, according to The New York Times.
These drinks often contain high levels of caffeine, Vitamin B, and taurine which may or may not be safe for teenagers, who are the prime consumers of such drinks.
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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