WSJ: NY AG Is the One Probing Energy Drinks

Remember that request for information from a state attorney general we wrote about not too long ago? According to the Wall Street Journal— which cited unnamed sources — the probe was initiated by New York’s attorney general, Erik Schneiderman.

AG Schneiderman: Reaching into the Monster's Cage

The probe is looking into the mysterious ways some of the brands seem to package and disclose their caffeine content, which can come from the addition of caffeine, tea, guarana, yerba mate and other stimulants.

The caffeine content in most energy drinks is typically dismissed as being equivalent to that present in a cup of coffee — an amount that can vary with the strength of the brew. Most of the mainstream brands — including those being probed by the AG’s office — have been able to avoid negative controversy except in extreme cases or when the products have been mixed with alcohol.

The FDA generally regards consumption of about 400 milligrams of caffeine a day to be a safe amount for most adults, and is reviewing the latest studies concerning caffeine consumption. It outlined its current policies and plan of action concerning  caffeine and energy drinks in a letter to Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) in response to an inquiry from Durbin’s office.

Both Monster and 5-Hour energy noted that a state AG was looking into marketing and promotion of their products during recent financial filings.