The Federal Drug Administration is set to probe Logan Paul and KSI’s Prime energy drink over the mounting concerns over its caffeine levels.
Over the weekend, Senator Chuck Schumer called on the agency to review the influencer-backed beverage targeted toward a young demographic, as per NBC News.
“One of the summer’s hottest status symbols for kids is not an outfit, or a toy—it’s a beverage,” said Schumer, according to the outlet.
“But buyer and parents beware because it’s a serious health concern for the kids it so feverishly targets.”
Advert
Prime Energy contains 200 milligrams of caffeine per 12 ounces, and for those playing at home, that’s about six cans of Coca-Cola or nearly two Red Bulls.
Schumer added it’s an ‘eye popping’ level of caffeine for young kids.
According to a warning on the company's website, Prme Energy is not recommended for minors, women who are pregnant or nursing and individuals sensitive to caffeine.
And while the energy drinks offer a non-caffeinated version of the beverage, the senator said the packaging was too similar, leading to confusion among consumers.
"Because the product is billed as a hydration and sports drink in its other, near identical form, kids are likely to ingest cans of this stuff with the parents being unaware," he added.
Some schools across the US have even begun banning the popular drink.
Following numerous boycotts, in September, KSI shared a screenshot from an email supposedly sent to a student announcing that Prime was no longer allowed on campus.
Alongside the screenshot, KSI wrote: “To counter this blatant wrongdoing, we’ll be sending a truckload of Prime to this school and many other schools. Just retweet this tweet to represent your school to get some Prime.”
However, his response didn’t slow health experts from outlining the major health concerns.
Speaking to Mirror, Dr Deborah Lee, from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, said: "I would not recommend children drink Prime energy drinks or other energy drinks for children of any age.
"Children don't need energy drinks anyway – they have plenty of energy! If your child is lacking in energy take them to see their GP, do not give them an energy drink.”
"It encourages them to want sweet drinks, when plain water is the answer and helps them develop a sweet tooth which is not good for the future in terms of a healthy diet and controlling their weight,” she added.
Topics: News, Food and Drink, Health, Logan Paul
Charisa Bossinakis