Durbin to Raise Concerns Over Energy Drinks at Commerce Committee Hearing
Senator will discuss potential health hazards associated with highly-caffeinated beverages that are marketed to children
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) will deliver an opening statement today at a hearing of the Senate Commerce Committee examining the potential health risks of energy drinks and the marketing of these products to youth. The hearing will also present an opportunity for members to review an investigative report, released by Durbin and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ed Markey (D-MA) that revealed evidence of energy drink marketing practices that the report found target teens. That report is available here.
Durbin’s remarks today will highlight the potential health risks posed by energy drinks, which may contain dangerously high levels of caffeine and other additives, and the aggressive marketing of those products to children and adolescents. Last year, Durbin called for an FDA investigation into energy drinks like ‘Monster Energy’, ‘Rockstar’ and ‘Red Bull’ which contain high levels of caffeine and potentially dangerous ingredients yet are marketed to young people. More information on Durbin’s letter to the FDA is available here.
Today’s hearing will take place before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation at 2:30 PM ET on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 in Room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, DC.
Witnesses testifying at today’s hearing will include: Ms. Amy Taylor, Vice President and General Manager, Red Bull North America; Mr. Rodney Sacks, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Monster Beverage Corporation; and Ms. Janet Weiner, CFO and Chief Operations Officer, Rockstar, Inc.
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