Dubious research tied to Red Bull has shaped energy drink policy
4 hours ago
- Red Bull funded academic research to combat restrictions on energy drinks, paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for favorable studies.
- 95% of Red Bull-backed studies concluded mixing energy drinks with alcohol does not increase risks, while 80% of independent studies found it does.
- A 2011 Suffolk County ban on selling energy drinks to minors was dropped after Red Bull-funded scientists argued there was no scientific basis.
- Researcher Joris Verster used a flawed definition (two-hour window) that underestimated risks, leading Boston University researchers to withdraw from a study.
- The European Food Safety Authority's 2015 report cited Verster's studies and concluded mixing energy drinks and alcohol was not a serious concern, influencing policy worldwide.
- Health Canada abandoned a proposed permanent warning label on energy drinks after industry pressure citing Red Bull-funded research.
- Zachary Mitchell died in 2016 from drowning after mixing Red Bull and alcohol; the coroner cited arrhythmia from the combination.
- Independent researchers criticize Red Bull-funded studies as biased and designed to create doubt and prevent regulatory action.