New Regulations Require Graphic Warning Labels on Energy Gels
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portrait: depositphotos.com; background: boris misevic on Unsplash
New federal regulations will require graphic warning labels on energy gels effective immediately, Dumb Runner has learned—a move that an industry association is calling tough, but fair.
Energy gels, generally packaged in 1- to 2-ounce pouches, are marketed to endurance athletes as a quick source of carbohydrates during exercise and competition. The new warning labels, featuring close-up photos of people expressing disgust or nausea, will include a rotating series of messages, including:
WARNING: Gummy bears are cheaper and taste way better
WARNING: Terrible mouthfeel and weird fake flavor
WARNING: Flavor listed on package will seem like a cruel joke
WARNING: Energy gels are visually indistinguishable from bull semen
The move, which comes after years of pressure from consumer advocates, met with surprisingly litte resistance from the sports nutrition industry.
“While we’re not generally fans of new government regulations, we must concede that this requirement is fair enough,” read a statement from the Association of Sports Nutrition Marketers. “We mean, who are we trying to kid? These things are just gross.”
