FDA: 5 Death Reports for Monster Energy Drink

Monster Energy Sued Over Death of Teen continued...

In a news release, Monster Beverage Corp. states that it stands by the safety of its products. “Monster is saddened by the untimely passing of Anais Fournier, and its sympathies go out to her family. Monster does not believe that its products are in any way responsible for the death of Ms. Fournier and intends to vigorously defend the lawsuit. ... Neither the science nor the facts support the allegations that have been made. Monster reiterates that its products are and have always been safe.”  

The American Beverage Association, the trade group that represents the soft drink industry, notes that Monster Energy has never been an ABA member.

However, the group notes that energy drinks' "ingredients and labeling comply with all U.S. FDA requirements."

The ABA and its members have developed voluntary guidelines for labeling and marketing energy drinks. The guidelines say ABA members that make energy drinks should:

• Identify on their labels the amount of caffeine from all sources in the beverage.
• Not promote mixing energy drinks with alcohol or claim that energy drinks counteract the effects of alcohol.
• Advise on their labels that energy drinks are not intended or recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women, or others sensitive to the effects of caffeine.
• Not market energy drinks as sports drinks.
• Not market or sell energy drinks in elementary, middle, or high schools.
• Not market energy drinks to children.