US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer urges regulators to investigate energy drink endorsed by KSI and Logan Paul.
Mr. Schumer accuses the energy drink of targeting children despite its high caffeine content.
“With 200mg of caffeine per can, Prime Energy contains double the amount of caffeine compared to rival energy drink Red Bull.”
“Each drink is clearly labeled with a warning stating it is not suitable for individuals under the age of 18.”
“Each drink comes with a warning advising against consumption by individuals under the age of 18.”
However, Senator Schumer, a Democrat, raised concerns that Prime Energy was packaged and marketed in a manner that closely resembled a caffeine-free drink from the same brand.
Senator Schumer stated that as a result, some parents had unknowingly purchased the caffeinated drink for their children, emphasizing this point during a press conference in New York on Sunday.
“The FDA must launch an investigation into PRIME for its excessive caffeine content and its marketing tactics that target children on social media,” he later tweeted.
According to a representative from Prime, Prime Energy contains a caffeine level similar to other popular energy drinks and is within the legal limits of the countries where it is sold. The drink has undergone compliance with all FDA guidelines prior to its market release, the representative stated.
The representative emphasized that consumer safety is their utmost priority as a brand, and they are open to engaging in discussions with the FDA or any other organization to explore potential industry changes that can further enhance consumer protection.
In 2022, YouTube stars Logan Paul and KSI launched Prime Hydration, a caffeine-free drink, which gained immense popularity online, resulting in long queues and enthusiastic store displays. Together, they have a combined following of approximately 48 million on YouTube.
Launched in January of this year, Prime Energy is a caffeinated beverage promoted by the company as sugar-free and vegan. Each can carries a warning advising against consumption by children under the age of 18, individuals sensitive to caffeine, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women.
Source : bbc.com