Blumenthal demands stronger regulation of energy drinks

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) praised the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision Tuesday to investigate an energy drink linked to five deaths.

Monster Energy Drink has been connected to one non-fatal heart attack, in addition to the five deaths. Blumenthal said more regulation is needed on popular energy drinks, which are commonly consumed by children.

“The FDA’s investigation of Monster Energy Drink, as a result five deaths and a heart attack linked to the product, underscores the urgent need to better regulate beverages that contain high levels of caffeine and other additives with stimulant properties — particularly when these types of drinks are consumed by children,” Blumenthal said in a statement Tuesday.

Blumenthal and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) originally called on the FDA to investigate energy drinks during the summer, saying increased scrutiny is needed.

“These tragic deaths show the severe risks affecting certain consumers of these products,” Blumenthal said. “Stronger oversight and awareness are clearly necessary through warnings and other possible measures.”

Blumenthal serves on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

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