FDA Receives Reports of 13 Deaths Linked to 5-Hour Energy

WASHINGTON The reputation of the energy drink business received another wallop this week on news that more than a dozen fatality reports have been linked to 5-Hour Energy. Records reviewed by The New York Times revealed reports of 13 deaths and more than 30 filings that involved serious or life-threatening injuries.

Daniel Fabricant, the director of FDA's Division of Dietary Supplement Programs, told the Times that all 13 fatality reports had been submitted to the FDA by Living Essentials, the distributor of 5-Hour Energy.

This disclosure comes on the heels of news that FDA is investigating five deaths and one non-fatal heart attack in connection with Monster Energy drinks.

Living Essentials issued a statement to the Times that said it considered "reports of any potential adverse event tied to our products very seriously."

FDA has said such reports are only considered allegations and that it draws no conclusions until investigations are completed.

Still, the revelations are widening public concerns over the safety of caffeine and other ingredients in energy drinks, and raising questions over whether such beverages should be subject to more stringent regulations.