Blumenthal Statement On FDA's Investigation Of Energy Drink Linked To Five Deaths, One Heart Attack

(Hartford, CT) – Today, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) released the following statement in response to the Food and Drug Administration’s investigation of Monster Energy Drink, a beverage that has been linked to five deaths and one non-fatal heart attack: 

The FDA’s investigation of Monster Energy Drink, as a result five deaths and a heart attack linked to the product, underscores the urgent need to better regulate beverages that contain high levels of caffeine and other additives with stimulant properties – particularly when these types of drinks are consumed by children.  Last month, Senator Durbin and I called on the FDA to investigate energy drinks because of these concerns, and I hope the agency conducts a thorough and prompt investigation and increases scrutiny based on its findings. These tragic deaths show the severe risks affecting certain consumers of these products. Stronger oversight and awareness are clearly necessary through warnings and other possible measures.