Around five people have died after drinking Monster's energy drink, said the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The deaths, all of which occurred after 2009, may be due to the high level of caffeine in the drink.
The FDA released the report after Wendy Crossland asked for the records under the Freedom of Information Act. Crossland, whose 14-year-old girl died of heart arrhythmia after consuming two cans of Monster Energy within a 24-hour period, is suing the company for damages. The lawsuit also accuses the company of not warning consumers of possible health risks.
The drink is deemed by the company to be unfit for children of 12 years and below, and those sensitive to caffeine.
According to the Los Angeles Times, spokeswoman for Monster Beverage Judy Lin Sfetcu said the company "does not believe that its beverages are in any way responsible for the death of Ms. Fournier" and that it intends to vigorously defend itself in the case. The company added that it is "unaware of any fatality anywhere that has been caused by its drinks."
The exposé of the report on the five deaths and one possible cardiac arrest led to a 14 percent drop in the value of the shares of Monster Beverages. The value dropped to $45.73. This has erased all profits the company has made this year, reports Bloomberg.
The FDA is currently looking into the matter, but has not yet found any conclusive evidence of a "causal link" between the caffeinated drink and the deaths. FDA spokeswoman Shelley Burgess also added that it was the responsibility of the company to investigate any adverse affects of its products. Moreover, as the New York Times reports, it is unclear if any other alcohol or drugs were involved in the deaths.
Other reports of the negative effects of Monster Energy have been received by the FDA. Abdominal pain, vomiting, tremors and abnormal heart rates are some of the effects reported. A typical 24-ounce can of Monster Energy contains up to 240 milligrams of caffeine.
Monster Beverage will be doing its best to defend itself in court.
Several health advocates and lawmakers, including Senator Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, are urging the FDA to monitor the amount of caffeine in drinks more closely, reports Bloomberg. They are hoping for a limit on the amount of caffeine allowed in any caffeniated drink, including those marketed by Coca Cola, PepsiCo Inc. and Red Bull.