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Canadian health officials are preparing to recall Prime Energy, a popular drink promoted by social media influencers, over concerns the product “exceeds acceptable caffeine limits.”
Officials said they know some stores may be selling Prime Energy without a permit.
The company has not yet officially launched its product in Canada.
In Canada, beverages may not contain more than 180 mg of caffeine per serving. Some Prime Energy products contain 200 mg.
Prime Energy “contains a comparable amount of caffeine to other top-selling energy drinks and is all within the legal limits of the countries in which it is sold,” the company said in a statement to the BBC.
In addition, the packaging stated that it was not suitable for persons under the age of 18.
“As a brand, consumer safety is our top priority. As such, we welcome discussions with the FDA or other organizations about proposed industry changes that they believe are necessary to protect consumers,” it said.
The official Canadian product is expected to contain around 140mg per can once it is available.
In 2022, social media influencers Logan Paul and KSI — who together have around 48 million YouTube followers — launched the caffeine-free Prime Hydration beverage. The company began selling Prime Energy this year and the product quickly became an online sensation, leading to chaotic scenes outside of stores as customers struggled to get their hands on the product.
However, health officials have raised concerns about the caffeine content of the drink, which is more than double that of a 250ml can of Red Bull.
How much caffeine is in energy drinks and other beverages?
- Prime Energy – 200 mg (355 ml can)
- Red Bull – 80mg (250ml)
- Monsters – 160mg (473ml)
- Coca Cola Original – 32mg (330ml)
- Brewed Coffee – 135mg (235ml)
- Black Tea – 30-50mg (235ml)
Source: caffeineinformer.com/Health Canada
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency advised customers not to “consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute” beverages with more than 180 mg of caffeine. The agency said officials are “actively working to address the issue” that stores may be selling Prime Energy without a permit.
Officials will provide more details about the recall in the coming days.
“Further evaluation of similar products that have been identified as potentially non-compliant is ongoing,” it said in a statement.
The recall comes after US lawmakers accused the company of marketing the caffeinated beverage to children.
On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called on federal regulators to investigate the company for its marketing practices. He claimed that Prime Energy was packaged and marketed “in near-identical form” to the brand’s caffeine-free beverage, Prime Hydration.
Research shows that consuming large amounts of caffeine can damage the heart and blood vessels. Studies also show that drinking highly caffeinated beverages, especially in children and young adults, can be harmful and lead to heart rhythm and blood pressure problems.