Last month, this blog discussed an effort made by Monster Energy Drinks, just one of several highly visible caffeine-heavy substances available on the market, to alter its drink labels in the wake of increased medical concern. Despite this, the issue has grown, and now the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking measures to regulate makers of vigor-boosting products such as these. In particular, it is focusing its attention on the chemical compound dimethylamylamine (DMAA).
This is a longstanding conflict that is complicated by the legal difference between an “energy drink” and a “dietary supplement,” with different standards pertaining to each. A statement on the FDA website mentions that there have been more than 80 documented cases of serious negative healths effects in conjunction with DMAA, including, in some instances, death. And things get even more difficult for consumers to track when one considers the multiple names that DMAA can go by, including Geranamine and Hexanamine.
Even though the government agency has sent letters to manufacturers, procedural rules prevent it from banning the compound outright, at least at this stage. In the mean time, consumers are encouraged to contact the FDA if they suffer side effects after ingesting DMAA and companies are being asked to cease the use of the chemical in their products (it is perhaps of interest to note that this same ingredient was once sanctioned as a decongestant).
The high caffeine content found in drinks and drugs like this could lead to severe health problems if users exceed the recommended dosages.
Making labels is not only an act of promotion, it is one of responsibility. A company takes ownership for what it discloses on its product labels and should take care when doing so.