U.S. FDA asked to probe Prime energy drink created by Logan Paul, KSI
Global News
U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer says Prime has become an in-demand drink for children and teenagers and contains more caffeine than many other products with the stimulant.
Prime, an energy drink brand created by YouTube stars Logan Paul and KSI, might soon be under investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is calling on the agency to start a probe into the company’s marketing and its caffeine levels. Schumer says Prime has become an in-demand drink for children and teenagers, but cautioned the product carries more caffeine than many other drinks with the stimulant.
“(It) has more caffeine than a cup of coffee, more caffeine than a can of Coke, more caffeine than even a Red Bull,” he told reporters at a news conference on Sunday.
The drink does have a label advising it is not recommended for those under 18, but Schumer claimed the advertising campaign used is targeted at that age group.
According to the company’s product information on its website, a single 12-ounce can of the drink contains 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine — the equivalent of half a dozen cans of Coke or nearly two Red Bulls.
A typical cup of coffee brewed at home has approximately 120 to 180 mg of caffeine.
The drink was first launched in the U.K., where it was then banned by some schools following concerns over health impacts. Pediatricians there warned youth who consumed it could experience heart problems, anxiety, and digestive issues.
The FDA generally advises that about 400 mg of caffeine a day for an adult is “not generally associated with dangerous, negative effects.” However, the agency warns that people can have different sensitivities to the effects and speed at which they can metabolize caffeine.
