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Energy Drinks Face Scrutiny in New York

Three producers get subpoenas over marketing claims

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 28, 2012 8:18 PM CDT

(Newser) – New York state's attorney general apparently is a little skeptical about the wonder claims of three popular energy drinks. Eric Schneiderman issued subpoenas to three big players—Monster Beverage; PepsiCo, maker of AMP; and Living Essentials, maker of 5-Hour Energy drink, report the Wall Street Journal and Reuters. The subpoenas request information about how the companies market the drinks, which are carbonated and high in caffeine.

Critics say the drinks provide all their boost thanks to that caffeine, even if advertisements would lead you to believe it's a result of added vitamins and other healthy-sounding ingredients. Energy drinks are big money-makers for the soft-drink industry, but they're also more loosely regulated than traditional soda, notes the Journal. "You're better off drinking a cup of coffee," says one analyst of the beverages at ConsumerLab.com.

In this 2011 file photo, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman answers a a question during a news conference in his New York City office.
In this 2011 file photo, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman answers a a question during a news conference in his New York City office.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 17 comments
Barbs1133
Aug 30, 2012 1:05 PM CDT
Want some energy--get some sleep--go to bed early--like at 9 or 10.  Use those Breathe-Rite strips and see your energy really bounce.
HarryBeaver
Aug 30, 2012 9:18 AM CDT
Monster at least has a claim to using the best ingredients they can find.  It sprang out of the Hansen Natural Company which has a long history for quality.
bewilderbeast
Aug 29, 2012 6:44 AM CDT
Who remembers Coca Cola's "vitaminwater" court case? In advertising this sugar-laden water laced with a penny's worth of synthetic vitamins, Coca Cola claimed that "vitaminwater" variously reduces the risk of chronic disease, reduces the risk of eye disease, promotes healthy joints, and supports optimal immune function, and used health buzz words such as “defense,” “rescue,” “energy,” and “endurance” on labels, yet in a staggering feat of twisted logic, lawyers for Coca-Cola defended the lawsuit by asserting that "no consumer could reasonably be misled into thinking "vitaminwater" was a healthy beverage." They basically argued that it's okay for a corporation to lie about its products, as long as they can then turn around and claim that no one actually believes their lies?

 
energy drink • false advertising • New York state • Monster Beverage • PepsiCo • New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman • Living Essentials

 
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