Tag: Beverage law

Over one in five college students reported mixing energy drinks with alcohol in the past year, highlighting a common misconception that their regulatory frameworks are similar. In fact, energy drinks are not regulated like alcohol, falling under very different and often less stringent legal standards, which impacts labeling, sales, and health warnings.

Despite persistent rumors suggesting otherwise, Red Bull Energy Drink is not illegal and is widely available for purchase throughout the United States, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates it as a conventional food product. This fact is crucial for understanding the product's place in the American market, especially when comparing it to regulations in other parts of the world.

Unlike nearly all other food and beverages, the vast majority of alcoholic products are not required to list their ingredients. This often-surprising exemption raises the question: why doesn't alcohol have to have ingredients, and what are the reasons behind this significant regulatory gap?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a drink can be labeled 'non-alcoholic' or 'alcohol-removed' as long as its alcohol content is less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). This means that the term "zero alcohol wine" is often a misnomer, as many products contain a very small, negligible amount of alcohol.

The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advises against caffeine consumption for children under 12, citing concerns for their developing systems. This raises an important question for consumers and parents alike: **Does Monster have an age restriction?** We delve into the legal landscape, retailer practices, and nutritional facts to provide a comprehensive answer.