Attorney
According to WJLA ABC 7, Maryland is considering passing a law that would ban minors from buying energy drinks like Monster and Red Bull.
This new legislation follows the wrongful death of a 14-year-old teen that died from cardiac arrhythmia brought on by toxic levels of caffeine in December 2011. In the 24 hours leading up to her death, the teen consumed two 24 ounce cans of Monster Energy.
“An enormous and rapidly growing market is developing around the sale of energy drinks to minors,” stated Delegate Kathleen Dumais (D-Montgomery County). “At the same time, we have mounting evidence that the high levels of caffeine and other stimulants in these beverages are harmful to young people.”
Despite labels on Red Bull and Monster Energy cans reading “not recommended for children,” many teenagers love drinking the controversial beverage. According to the Mayo Clinic, each 24-ounce can of Monster Energy contains 80 milligrams of caffeine, which is the equivalent of 14 cans of soda.
“It makes sense to me that, given the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that these products should never be consumed by children and adolescents, we consider banning the marketing and sale of energy drinks to minors,” Dumais stated.
The Maryland House Economic Matters Committee will be holding a hearing on the bill on March 7 at 1 p.m. in Annapolis.
Has Your Child Been Harmed By a Dangerous or Defective Product?
If a defective product has injured your child, the manufacturer or seller may be held liable for these injuries. This is true whether the product is a motor vehicle, machine, tool, building material, household appliance, personal care product, toy, medication, food or beverage.
Speak to one of our attorneys today so we can help you understand the process of filing a products liability claim.
Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.
Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia Injury Attorneys
Did You Know: In November of 2012, the Food and Drug Administration investigated thirteen deaths connected to energy drink 5-Hour Energy.
Source: http://www.wjla.com/articles/2014/02/maryland-may-ban-energy-drinks-for-minors-100177.html, http://www.fda.gov