FDA Investigating Deaths and Hospitalizations from 5-Hour Energy and Monster

Update: April 15, 2013 Monster Beverage Corp is facing a lawsuit over allegations the contents of its popular energy drink, Monster, caused the death of a 14-year-old girl, Anais Fournier. According to the lawsuit, Fournier had drunk two 24-oz. Monster Energy drinks in a 24-hour period, just prior to her death. The two drinks combined contained 480 milligrams of caffeine, almost equivalent to 14 cans of soda.

While the FDA stipulates that soft drinks contain no more than 71.5 mg of caffeine per 12 oz drink, the agency cannot regulate the caffeine content of Monster and other energy drinks, because they are considered dietary supplements. Read more about the Monster Energy Drink Lawsuit

Washington, DC: An investigation has been launched by the New York Attorney General's office and the federal government into the ingredients and marketing practices of energy drinks.

The investigation was prompted after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received 13 reports of deaths and 33 reports of hospitalizations related to consumption of the drink 5-Hour Energy.

5-Hour Energy comes in 2 oz. packages and contains an amount of caffeine equivalent to two cups of coffee. The product is made by Michigan-based Living Essentials.

"If someone is to use multiple cans, now is when we start to see some of the side effects," Dr. Sean Patrick Nord, USC Director of the Section of Toxicology, told ABC News. "You're getting astronomical amounts, 30 to 40 cups of coffee."

Reports of illness and fatalities have also been associated with the energy drink Monster, according to the FDA, which has confirmed it is investigating claims that energy drinks are causing fatal reactions. In October, Monster energy was allegedly linked to five deaths, ABC News reported.

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Last updated on Jun-12-13