Red Bull Regrets Sad Events In Sweden
MEDIA STATEMENT
Date: July 13, 2001
1. Red Bull„µ
Energy Drink is currently sold in more than 50 countries
world-wide. The product has been on sale in Europe for 14
years, and the formula for more than 30 years in Japan and
Asia. It has been on sale in New Zealand for five
years.
The product and its ingredients are perfectly safe
for human consumption. Health authorities of various
jurisdictions have checked the ingredients of Red Bull„µ
Energy Drink and consequently have permitted the marketing
of the drink.
Red Bull regrets the sad incidences that
have taken place in Sweden. We are certain, however, that
the alleged consumption of Red Bull„µ Energy Drink has no
connection whatsoever with the cause of death of these three
young people. We expect the pending investigations of the
cause of the death to confirm this.
2. There is no indication that Red Bull„µ Energy Drink has any negative effect when mixed with alcohol. Any harmful effects are generally connected to that of the alcohol.
3. Red Bull has been approved by regulatory authorities in most EU countries including: Great Britain, Ireland, Austria, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, The Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Italy, Greece and Finland, as well as in the United States.
4. Red Bull is actively pursuing application proceedings in France, Denmark, Norway and Iceland and this is a lengthy process of approval to introduce new food standards.
It should be pointed out that these countries have a very restrictive nutrition policy concerning the supplementation of foodstuffs with certain ingredients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Not only Red Bull„µ Energy Drink, but also cereals, sweets and other foodstuff producers encounter difficulties in marketing their products in these countries. As examples, sweets from Germany may not be imported to France and some cereals such as Kellogg's may not be imported into Norway.
Therefore, the marketing restrictions that Red Bull„µ Energy Drink encounters in these countries are of a regulatory nature and do not indicate or imply that there is any health and safety concern.
Issued by: