CAPUTO TO INTRODUCE BILL TO HALT SALE OF ENERGY DRINKS, ENERGY SUPPLEMENTS TO MINORS

Measure Would Help Prevent Development of Long-Term Health Problems in Youths

(TRENTON) - Assemblyman Ralph R. Caputo today announced he is drafting legislation that would prohibit minors in New Jersey from purchasing super-caffeinated energy drinks and nutrition supplements.

Caputo said he was alerted to the need for this legislation after seeing a news report on "Blow Energy Drink Mix," a white powdered drink supplement with nearly seven times the caffeine of a can of cola, manufactured and packaged to look like cocaine and marketed to an audience that includes teens.

"The plain and simple truth is that caffeine is a drug," said Caputo.  "Disguising that fact by targeting children with marketing that chooses to glamorize it by comparing it to illegal drugs does not send the right message."

Doctors and endocrinologists have long held that teens and young children, particularly those under 12, should not consume massive doses of caffeine, as it can cause chemical disruptions in their development that can lead to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), high blood pressure, heart complications, and extremity tremors later in life.

Caputo said his legislation is similar to legislation being considered in Maine, and would put high-caffeine energy drinks into the same restricted category as alcohol and tobacco.  Caputo's legislation also would contain an education component, requiring the dangers associated with caffeine abuse to be included in classroom discussions on drug and alcohol abuse.

"Mega dosing on caffeine may be trendy, but it also can create serious health complications in children when abused," said Caputo (D-Essex).  "Caffeine, like in all things, should be taken in moderation."

Caputo says he plans to introduce his legislation when the Legislature returns from its budget break in May.

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