Pediatricians — Keep Kids Away From Sports Drinks, Energy Drinks

The findings from a recent study released by the American Academy of Pediatrics indicate that energy drinks and sports drinks can be dangerous for children. While sports drinks are often marketed to kids, and energy drinks are occasionally consumed by athletes of all ages, the AAP says children often can’t tell the difference between the two types of products. Mixing them up means children may drink unnecessary amounts of caffeine while attempting to re-hydrate. These categories are often marketed for kids, but caffeine isn’t good for children, according to the AAP.

POM Wonderful FTC Hearing Underway

In a case that many are looking to for direction with regard to future food and beverage health claims, a Federal Trade Commission action against POM Wonderful began yesterday in Los Angeles, according to an article on Bloomberg.com. The case is a testing ground for treating food and beverage health claims more like those of the pharmaceutical industry. But it is also an opportunity for companies to argue that their claims are supported by the first amendment and cannot be censored, even if they are found to be untrue.

Gatorade Goes DSD to Dollar General

PepsiCo, Inc. has announced it will begin bringing Gatorade directly to Dollar General’s 9,200 stores on Monday in a move that the company expects will bring double-digit growth in sales volume. The change means that PepsiCo is extending its shift to Direct Store Distribution from warehouse pickup to another sales channel, with the stated advantage that it will give the company more control over in-store promotions, cooler and shelf placements.

Lifelong Learning

Sporting a tan and sitting in front of a broad bay window looking out to a brilliant blue pool dotted with recliners, Cathie Lenhoff was set against the backdrop of summer.

But it only looked like Lenhoff was in a state of summer repose.

In reality, the Elkton High School German teacher, who has taught for 37 years, has kept quite busy this summer.