Dem lawmakers probe energy drinks' safety

Democratic lawmakers are pressing energy-drink manufacturers for data about their products as part of a wide federal safety probe.

Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) wrote to more than a dozen beverage companies Thursday asking for details on their drinks' ingredients, labels and marketing campaigns.

The letters follow similar messages from the Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration to companies like Red Bull, Pepsi and Monster. 

"This investigation follows recent adverse event reports of illness, injury and death allegedly linked to the consumption of products marketed as 'energy drinks' or 'energy shots,' and mounting concerns regarding the safety of this rapidly growing class of products," the lawmakers wrote.

A report released last week by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that the number of emergency room visits tied to energy drinks had doubled in the last five years.

Reports last fall tied a number of deaths to the drinks as well, though manufacturers have denied the connection.

In their letter, Markey, Durbin and Blumenthal asked companies to describe the level of caffeine and other stimulants in their beverages, and explain whether they consider their products conventional beverages or dietary supplements.

"Currently, manufactures have the discretion to decide whether an energy drink product will be marketed and labeled as a conventional food (beverage) or as a dietary supplement," the lawmakers wrote.

The difference determines "requirements for ingredients, manufacturing processes, [and] reporting of adverse events and labeling," the members wrote.

Experts say a serious caffeine overdose can lead to elevated blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia or arrest, and seizures.

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