Three senators are taking manufacturers of energy drinks to task in an ongoing investigation into an industry that they say refuses to commit to adolescent protections. Early this month, US Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released a new report: “Buzz Kill: A Survey of Popular Energy Drinks Finds Majority of the Market Unwilling to Make Commitments to Protect Adolescents.” The report acknowledges the progress the industry has made toward eliminating marketing and promotional activities that target children under the age of 12 and children in K-12 school settings. However, the report also says companies are blurring the lines between the categories of energy drinks and sports drinks. The senators argue some products are marketed to aid rehydration and electrolyte balance, but also contain high amounts of caffeine and sugar.
In letters mailed by to major energy drink brands, the senators asked them to what extent the companies thought the industry would be able to commit to voluntary measures to better protect younger consumers.