Re "FDA probe: Were deaths linked to energy drink?" (sacbee.com, Nov. 15): I believe any death is tragic, including the 13 that may have been caused by 5-Hour Energy. But what I think is doubly tragic is that in all of the commendable media attention and social action being given to issues like tobacco, fast food, soda, drugs and now these energy drinks, one of the largest proven killers of all continues to be ignored: alcohol.
According to medical studies compiled by industry watchdog Alcohol Justice, alcoholic consumption directly accounts for about 79,000 U.S. deaths annually (including 5,000 deaths of those under 21), is the third leading cause of preventable death and results in $26 billion in health care costs each year. It decimates individuals, families, communities and economies in the name of profit. Where is the concern about this issue?
-- Claire Oppenheim, Sacramento
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