HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it's investigating reports of five deaths and a non-fatal heart attack linked to highly caffeinated Monster Energy Drinks.
The agency acknowledged the adverse reports Monday, but FDA spokeswoman Shelly Burgess says they don't prove that the drinks caused the deaths.
The news follows last week's filing in California of a wrongful death suit by the parents of a 14-year-old, Hagerstown, Md., girl who died after drinking two, 24-ounce Monster Beverage Corp. drinks in 24 hours.
An autopsy concluded she died of cardiac arrhythmia due to caffeine toxicity. She had an inherited disorder that can weaken blood vessels.
Monster says it doesn't believe its products caused any deaths. AThe company released the following statement to ABC:
"Over the past 16 years Monster has sold more than 8 billion energy
drinks which have been safely consumed worldwide," the statement read.
"Monster does not believe that its beverages are in any way responsible
for the death of Ms. Fournier. Monster is unaware of any fatality
anywhere that has been caused by its drinks. The Fournier family has
chosen to file a lawsuit, which Monster intends to vigorously defend
and, in light of such pending litigation, Monster's policy is to not
comment further."
Shares of the Corona, Calif.-based company plunged $7.20, or 13.5 percent, to $46.12 in trading Monday.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
