The makers of 5-Hour Energy and Monster are currently under the investigation of New York Attorney General, Eric Schneiderman. Investigators are issuing subpoenas to companies seeking information about the true benefits of some of the ingredients put in these so called “energy drinks.” Click below to read more.
In July, Schneiderman’s office issued subpoenas to three companies: PepsiCo, which makes AMP drinks, Monster Beverage Corp., which makes the Monster drink and Living Essential, LLC., maker of 5-Hour Energy drink, according to a report Tuesday in the Wall Street Journal.
The subpoenas specifically seek information about the marketing and advertising of the three companies, according to the Journal. Schneiderman wants to find out if the companies are deceiving consumers with their elaborate claims about the health benefits of their drinks.
Specifically, investigators with the AG’s office want to find out if these drink makers overstated the benefits of some ingredients in their popular beverages, like taurine and ginseng, while deliberately downplaying the role plain old caffeine plays, which is also in the drinks.
Critics of these drinks say that it’s simply everyday caffeine that acts as the active ingredient, and not the fancy ingredients like B-vitamins, taurine and ginseng. The companies claim the add-ins all boost energy for hours, and better than a regular cup of coffee.
Additionally, investigators also want to know if the addition of guarana, another source of caffeine, in some energy drinks, is against the law. Certain laws prohibit adding multiple sources of caffeine in one drink without disclosing the overall amount of caffeine in the beverage.
