Red Bull or Black Devil

Following the death of Ross Cooney, the debate on the potential health effects associated with Red Bull intensified. Cooney was just 18 years old when he died before a basketball game. Before the game, Cooney shared fours cans of Red Bull with friends. After further investigation into his death, it was ruled that Cooney died as a result of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome. The inquest jury ruled this, but also called for an inquiry into high-caffeine energy drinks.

In the years following his death, government officials across the globe have debated about the health effects of Red Bull and other energy drinks. At the same time, Red Bull continually defends itself, saying that their product is safe when consumed using ‘common sense.’

In July 2008, France was required to legalize the sale of the original formula of Red Bull in stores across the country. Over the past twelve years, they banned the sale of Red Bull containing the controversial ingredient, taurine. The European Union regulators stated that, “a product made or sold in other EU countries cannot be banned unless a health risk is proven” (Reuters). Since France was unable to prove health risks associated with taurine, they were required to start allowing the sale of Red Bull with the original formula. France’s health minister cautioned the consumption of the original formula drink, and Red Bull agreed that health warnings on the can should point out the high caffeine content, as well as advise against consumption for women who are pregnant and children. When the new cans went on sale, they contained a logo advertising and emphasizing the new feature, “taurine formula.”

There is also the continued growing issue of mixing energy drinks with alcohol. After a number of deaths associated with Red Bull and alcohol, including a death of a British man who mixed it with a pitcher of vodka, Greek health officials and others have issued warnings about the potential negative consequences of consuming Red Bull...