A recent editorial ("Energy drinks merit scrutiny, caution," Jan. 2) warrants clarification. It's important to keep the caffeine content in perspective. Most mainstream energy drinks contain about half the caffeine of a similar-size cup of coffee. Energy drinks are also regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The beverage industry strives to play a positive role in public discussions about energy drinks and their appropriate consumption. Many companies have adopted policies that include listing caffeine amounts and calorie counts on packages; displaying an advisory statement on packages; noting that energy drinks aren't recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women, and people sensitive to caffeine; not marketing energy drinks to children, and not offering energy drinks for sale in K-12 schools.
TIM WILKIN, ST. PAUL
The writer is president of the Minnesota Beverage Association.
