13 July 2023 , 17:42
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Cans of Prime Energy drink have been recalled over concerns for the amount of caffeine inside, days after an investigation was urged into its content.
Backed by YouTubers , the brand was an immediate sensation when it launched Prime Hydration last year, prompting long lines in grocery stores and reports of schoolyard resale markets.
However, earlier this week a US senator demanded the US Food and Drug Administration investigate its follow-up, Prime Energy, as it was found it contains the same amount of caffeine as six cans of cola.
Now the Government of Canada has recalled products from marketplaces “due to various non-compliances related to caffeine content and labelling requirements”.
KSI and Logan Paul's PRIME energy has 200ml of caffeine (DrinkPrime)A warning on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's website reads: “The affected products are being recalled from the marketplace.
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“The affected products have been sold nationally and online. If you think you became sick from consuming an affected product, contact your healthcare provider, check to see if you have affected products.
“Do not consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute affected products, if you become aware of recalled products being sold, you can report it to the .
“High levels of caffeine may have adverse health effects for children, pregnant individuals, breastfeeding individuals, and those sensitive to caffeine.
“Exercising while consuming caffeine may lead to adverse health effects. Some of the side effects of consuming excess caffeine may include insomnia, irritability, headaches, and nervousness.”
As well as Prime, the government also recalled other drinks including 3D Alphaland, 5 Hour, Celsius and GFuel.
Last week, Senator Charles Schumer said: “One of the summer’s hottest status symbols for kids is not an outfit, or a toy, it’s a beverage,” said Schumer, a Democrat from New York.
“But buyer and parents beware because it’s a serious health concern for the kids it so feverishly targets.”
That high content prompted bans from some schools in the UK and Australia, where some paediatricians warned of possible health impacts on young children such as heart problems, anxiety, and digestive issues.
Company representatives, meanwhile, have defended the product as clearly labelled “not recommended for children under 18.”
In his letter to the FDA, Schumer claimed there was little noticeable difference in the online marketing of the two drinks - leading many parents to believe they were purchasing a juice for their kids, only to wind up with a “cauldron of caffeine.”
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“A simple search on social media for Prime will generate an eye-popping amount of sponsored content, which is advertising,” he wrote. “This content and the claims made should be investigated, along with the ingredients and the caffeine content in the Prime energy drink.”