In response to lawsuits against energy drink manufacturers Monster Energy and 5-hour Energy , lawmakers are beginning to regulate the terminology used in the marketing of these beverages. In a recent high profile case, the family of Anais Fournier claimed that the teen died from drinking two 24-ounce cans of Monster Energy in less than 24 hours. According to several reports, each serving of Monster Energy contains about 240 mgs of caffeine. The safe daily caffeine intake for children is approximately 45-85 mgs per day.
In addition to the potential for caffeine overdose, energy drinks often contain other stimulants not listed as caffeine. It is not difficult to see how a child with an underlying heart condition could experience health problems from drinking multiple energy drinks in a short period of time. It is also possible that long-term consumption of energy drinks may lead to serious health problems. In response to these deaths and injuries, Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden recently reached a settlement agreement with Innovation Ventures LLC and Living Essentials LLC, the makers of 5-hour Energy. The settlement was reached following allegations that the manufacturers misrepresented their product by claiming that the beverage is recommended by doctors and does not produce a “crash” similar to other energy drinks.
Deceptive Marketing Tactics
In the settlement agreement, 5-hour Energy manufacturers are prohibited from promoting sponsorships, ingredients, or benefits that the drink does not actually have. The settlement specifically states that manufacturers must change their wording from “crash” to “no sugar crash” and add label warnings for pregnant and nursing women. “Ensuring companies make accurate statements about their products is important to consumers and the marketplace,” said Wasden. “I’m pleased that we were able to reach a resolution of this case.”
In addition to continuing to list caffeine amounts on labeling, manufacturers of 5-hour Energy must also include caffeine as a separately listed ingredient. They also have to refrain from using testimonials and endorsements that do not comply with rules established by the Federal Trade Commission.
Caffeine Overdose Linked to Heart Problems
Excessive caffeine intake is linked to several life-threatening health problems, such as atrial fibrillation, arrhythmia, heart attack, and death. The Canadian Journal of Cardiology published a report last year suggesting that energy drinks may increase these risks, even in young people. The risks are significantly more pronounced in individuals with underlying heart problems, who experience seizures, and those on certain medications.
Contact Goldwater Law Firm Today
If you have been injured as a result of energy drinks or any other type of product, the Goldwater Law Firm can help. Misleading marketing is responsible for injuries and deaths every year. Energy drink manufacturers Monster Energy and 5-hour Energy are finally being held accountable for their deceptive marketing tactics. If you’ve been injured in any type of accident, or from using a dangerous or defective product, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. Contact the Goldwater Law Firm for a free consultation today.