CHICAGO - Chicago Alderman Edward Burke??s proposal to ban energy drinks that contain 180 milligrams or more of caffeine and taurine or guarana led to a no vote earlier this week at a City Council meeting, only an agreement for further discussion, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Alderman George Cardenas, chairman of the Health Committee, oversaw the meeting and said that while he would consider more stringent labeling requirements to keep parents better informed, he was disinclined to ban energy drinks.

"At the end of the day, you want better consumer protection, and that means labeling," Cardenas said, adding that he hasn??t ruled out an age-related ban.

Dr. Howard Axe, president of the Chicago Medical Society, testified that his group supports a ban on "super-caffeinated energy drinks," maintaining they target young adults who do not understand the health risks. "We base our opposition on the growing evidence that these drinks pose serious health risks, including possible fatalities, in both adults and children," he said.

However, other medical experts testifying on behalf of the American Beverage Association said the amounts of caffeine per ounce in energy drinks are generally safe for consumption, though pregnant women and children should be wary of their effects.

Burke, chairman of the Finance Committee, previously proposed a ban on pre-mixed drinks that contain alcohol and caffeine and another for trans fat in restaurant fryers. Both did not gain traction among the Council. However, his 2009 effort to ban plastics that contain BPA was successful.