Energy Drinks Report Ignores Crucial Data, Says ABA

The American Beverage Association (ABA) has responded to a report on energy drinks released by US Senators Markey, Blumenthal and Durbin, saying that energy drinks are well-regulated and pose no health implications to healthy adults.

"Energy drinks have been enjoyed safely by millions of people around the world for more than 25 years, and in the US for more than 15 years. Energy drinks, their ingredients and labeling are regulated by the FDA, and, like most consumer products, their advertising is subject to oversight from the US Federal Trade Commission.

"This report ignores crucial data about energy drinks and caffeine consumption in the US. Based on the most recent government data reported in the journal Pediatrics, children under 12 have virtually no caffeine consumption from energy drinks. This study’s findings are consistent with an analysis commissioned by FDA and updated in 2012, as well as a published ILSI survey of more than 37,000 people which shows that caffeine consumption in the US has remained stable during the most recent period analyzed, while coffee remains the primary source of caffeine in most age groups.

"Leading energy drink manufacturers voluntarily go far beyond all federal requirements when it comes to labeling and education. In fact, ABA member companies voluntarily display total caffeine content – from all sources – on their packages along with advisory statements indicating that the product is not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women and persons sensitive to caffeine. They also have voluntarily pledged not to market these products to children or sell them in K-12 schools. These guidelines and more are noted in the ABA Guidance on the Responsible Labeling and Marketing of Energy Drinks.”