Monster Energy Sued For Allegedly Marketing to Children

Monster Beverage Corporation, which makes the drink Monster Energy is facing a lawsuit for marketing to children.

The lawsuit contends that marketing to kids who are as young as six violates California law. Some scientific evidence shows the products containing excessive caffeine like Monster Energy can increase morbidity in adolescents from elevated blood pressure, brain seizures, and severe cardiac events.

Among doctors and parents, energy drinks like Monster Energy have been suspect for many years. The latest report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) says that hospitalizations associated with these energy drinks have doubled from 2007 to 2011. The report says the “consumption of energy drinks is a rising public health problem because medical and behavioral problems can result from excessive caffeine intake.” It goes on to say that “a growing body of scientific evidence documents the harmful health effects of energy drinks, particularly for children, adolescents, and young adults.”

In 2011 alone, 20,783 emergency room visits were attributed to the consumption of these energy drinks. In 2007 this number was 10,068. Anxiety, irregular heartbeat, and heart attacks, are problems many doctors say can be related to these energy drinks containing excessive caffeine.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, adults should consume no more than 400 g per day of caffeine because excessive caffeine intake can increase blood pressure and anxiety. However, Monster Energy cans come in 16 ounce cans that actually contains a 160 milligrams of caffeine. By comparison, a coke can has about 34 milligrams in 12 fluid ounces.

As companies are increasing efforts to market to a younger and younger demographic, the consumption of these Monster Energy drinks by children and young adults is also becoming an increasing concern, as evidenced by federal data showing an increase in the number of emergency room visits for individuals in these age ranges. When a 14 year old Maryland girl drank two 24 ounce Monster Energy drinks and died, her family brought a wrongful death suit against the company. The National Collegiate Athletic Association also highly advises that students do not use these drinks because they pose health and safety risks to student athletes and can have adverse health consequences if consumed before or during strenuous exercise.

Even though the young demographic is significantly more at risk of developing health concerns related to the consumption of these highly caffeinated drinks, many claim Monster Energy continues to target them through marketing.

The report also shows that while there is increased consumption by both younger and older people, people ranging from ages 18 to 25 account for the largest group of patients. And males account for 2/3 of those treated for complications.

The report encourages healthcare professionals to discourage the use of these energy drinks and explain to patients that any supposed health benefits from the products are actually marketing techniques and not scientifically proven.

Mixing energy drinks with medication also increases risk. This could account for a growing number of emergency room visits from older adults using these drinks.

St. Louis Product Liability Lawyers

If you or a loved one have been adversely affected by a consumer product, it is important to get in contact with the experienced St. Louis product liability lawyers at the Zevan and Davidson Law Firm right away. Our lawyers have experience dealing with product liability cases and a thorough knowledge of the Missouri legal system.

To schedule a free consultation call us at (314) 588-7200

photo credit: stevendepolo