Senator Durbin Says Energy Drinks Shouldn’t be Marketed to Kids

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and other Democrats are asking energy drink companies not to market to children and to stop making products available in schools.

The Illinois Democrat and three of his colleagues sent letters Wednesday to 17 energy drink companies. They ask the companies to voluntarily list the amount of caffeine in a product on its label and to report adverse events associated with consuming the drinks to the Food and Drug Administration.

In a press release, Durbin says the companies insist they don't market to children. But he says the drinks are promoted through social media and often handed out in places frequented by young people, such as concerts and parks.

Durbin also has called on the FDA to look into the safety of the drinks for children.