Energy drinks are more popular than ever before and it’s not difficult to see why. Today’s people are busier than ever before. They don’t always have time to stop for proper meals and many would never consider taking a breather to physically recharge. They’re relying on energy-boosting solutions like energy drinks more and more often.
However, as reports of illnesses and deaths that could be related to energy drink consumption continue to pour in, food safety authorities are beginning to think seriously about imposing stricter rules in regards to consumption.
For instance, many members of the United States Congress are clamoring for an extensive review of the energy drink industry as a whole. Investigations in regards to the production practices of several manufacturers are also underway.
Currently, officials from the Food and Drug Administration say that they lack the solid evidence that would be necessary in order to officially act against the levels of caffeine currently found in the drinks. However, this is expected to change in the future as more and more investigations are performed and more evidence is gathered.
Changes made to the official definition of the drinks are also expected to come about in the future. Currently drinks can be marketed as dietary supplements or beverages according to the whims and preferences of the manufacturers.
Although the numbers aren’t set in stone, at this point, it is currently speculated by industry experts that there have been at least five deaths that can be potentially linked to consumption of popular energy drink Monster. These include a 14-year-old girl from Maryland who died of heart complications after consuming two cans of the beverage over as many days.
With sales of energy drinks skyrocketing by the day – last year alone, sales increased by 16% -- it’s becoming more and more critical that the safety of these drinks be assessed.
