CLEVELAND -- Cleveland city councilman Kenneth Johnson has introduced an ordinance that would prohibit the sale, including in vending machines, of energy drinks to anyone under the age of 18, reported WEWS-TV.
"Many energy drinks contain 70 to 80 mg of caffeine per eight-ounce serving, which is three times the caffeine in cola drinks," Johnson said, according to the report. He also called the energy drinks, placed side-by-side with sodas and fruit juices, "unregulated."
The ordinance defines an energy drink as "a canned or bottled beverage (1) that either (A) contains an amount of caffeine exceeding or equal to 140 milligrams per four-fluid-ounce-or-larger container, or (B) contains an amount of caffeine exceeding or equal to 80 milligrams per 0.8 fluid ounce to three-fluid ounce container; and (2) that contains Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) or Guarana."
Under the proposed legislation, distribution of the drinks to minors would result in a fourth-degree misdemeanor, said the report.
The ordinance will need a two-thirds majority approval from council and approval from the mayor.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has begun scrutinizing energy drinks after receiving reports of fatalities, injuries and emergency room visits potentially associated with the products.
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