Chicago Alderman Pushes Energy Drink Ban Amid Health Concerns

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Alderman George Cardenas (12th Ward) is pursuing a city ordinance that would prohibit the sale of energy drinks to anyone under the age of 21, citing growing concerns over the health impacts of these types of caffeine-infused beverages. Cardenas, who is also chairman of the Chicago City Council's Health Committee, noted that recent deaths related to energy drinks are a call to action for Chicago.

Here are some facts and details about the proposed ban and the recent reports of health impacts and deaths linked to energy drink consumption:

* Cardenas is hoping to ban the sale of energy drinks to anyone under the age of 21 in Chicago city limits, reported NBC Chicago.

* The first step in the alderman's plan is to call upon health experts to testify before the City Council Health Committee in order to persuade other members that a retail ban on these types of drinks is needed.

* If the health committee approves the proposal, it will move to the City Council floor for a discussion and a final vote.

* Speaking on the importance of initiating such a discussion, Cardenas said, "If the experts say the ingredients are such that young people are more susceptible to these types of stimulants and their bodies can't handle it, we have to act on that. We don't want to have a situation where children are at risk."

* He also acknowledges that the decision needs to rely on the commentary of health experts in this case.

* According to the Chicagoist, just this week, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) took the initiative to employ a new snack and beverage policy that bans energy drinks across the entire district.

* An article from ABC News reported that the federal government has started an investigation following reports that suggested a possible link between 5-Hour Energy and 13 deaths and 33 hospitalizations.

* Last month, Monster energy drinks were being looked into as a possible cause or factor in five deaths.

* However, 5-Hour Energy CEO and inventor Manoj Bhargava said the investigations are "overblown" and that "caffeine is not a bad thing except in very large quantities."

* Opponents argue that while the drinks may not pose a harm to healthy adults, they pose a risk to teenagers with heart problems, especially when the drinks are not labeled properly.

* In fact, the labels do not list how much caffeine are in the energy drinks, though Bhargava has said it is the same as one cup of coffee.

Rachel Bogart provides an in-depth look at current environmental issues and local Chicago news stories. Currently pursuing her master's degree in environmental science, she applies her knowledge and passion to both topics to garner further public awareness.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/chicago-alderman-pushes-energy-drink-ban-amid-health-181200318.html

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