Ingredients in Predator energy drinks unsafe for consumption? Food safety regulatory bodies says otherwise

Recently social media users were seen claiming that Predator energy drinks contain harmful ingredients like taurine, sodium benzoate, caffeine etc. These ingredients cause many serious health issues like liver and kidney diseases, put strain on the heart, affect the brain etc. 

However, Fact Crescendo found the claim to be misleading. The ingredients mentioned have been approved by the regulatory bodies and considered safe when consumed within limits. 

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Fact Check- 

Let’s check the facts of the ingredients mentioned in the post. 

Taurine: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated the safety of taurine in energy drinks in combination with other ingredients. In 2009, EFSA concluded that when taurine is consumed in certain levels found in energy drinks, it does not pose safety concerns. However, it was also brought forth that extremely high intake of taurine could carry risks. It is important to check the amount of taurine consumed and in combination with which ingredients. Overall, EFSA had approved the use of taurine in energy drinks but within prescribed limits. 

Sodium Benzoate: Sodium benzoate is a chemical made by mixing benzoic acid with substances like baking soda or sodium hydroxide. It does not occur naturally. According to the Code of Federal Regulations, it is generally safe when used according to good manufacturing practices, with a maximum limit of 0.1% in food. The FDA has not confirmed its safety for other uses. 

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) evaluated a study from Southampton University that suggested certain food additives, including artificial colors and sodium benzoate, might be linked to hyperactivity in children. EFSA reviewed the study and found that while some children may be sensitive to these additives, the overall evidence was not strong enough to confirm a direct link to hyperactivity. Based on this, EFSA did not change the safety limits for these additives but recommended further research.

Caffeine: Caffeine is a naturally occurring compound found in plants like coffee, tea, and cocoa, and is commonly added to foods and beverages including energy drinks. It is rapidly absorbed in the human body and can increase alertness but may also cause short-term effects such as anxiety and sleep disruption, especially in high doses. 

EFSA conducted a risk assessment of Caffeine use during physical activity and in combination with alcohol or energy drink ingredients. The panel concluded that single doses up to 200 mg, and daily intakes up to 400 mg, are safe for healthy adults. For pregnant and lactating women, up to 200 mg per day is considered safe. For children and adolescents, a daily intake of up to 3 mg per kilogram of body weight is acceptable. 

EFSA also found no safety concerns when caffeine is consumed with common energy drink ingredients or moderate amounts of alcohol.

Conclusion: 

Fact Crescendo found the claim to be misleading. Taurine, sodium benzoate, caffeine etc in Predator energy drinks are safe for human consumption. FDA and EFSA had approved the use of these ingredients.