Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
An influencer-backed energy drink that has earned viral popularity among children is facing scrutiny from lawmakers and health experts over its potentially dangerous levels of caffeine.
On Sunday, Sen. Charles Schumer called on the Food and Drug Administration to investigate PRIME, a beverage brand founded by the YouTube stars Logan Paul and KSI that has become something of an obsession among the influencers’ legions of young followers.
“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.”
Backed by two of YouTube’s best known stars, PRIME was an immediate sensation when it launched last year, prompting long lines in grocery stores and reports of school yard resale markets.
Advertising itself as zero sugar and vegan, the neon-colored cans are among a growing number of energy drinks with elevated levels of caffeine; in PRIME’s case, 200 milligrams per 12 ounces, equivalent to about half a dozen Coke cans or nearly two Red Bulls.
That high content prompted bans from some schools in the United Kingdom and Australia where some pediatricians 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 labeled “not recommended for children under 18.” They sell a separate sports drink, known as PRIME Hydration, which contains no caffeine at all. Representatives for PRIME did not immediately return a request for comment.
But 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.”
“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.”
RELATED TOPICS:
Israeli Gunfire Kills 17 People Near Gaza Aid Site, Health Officials Say
20 hours ago
Parliament Member Corbyn Calls for Inquiry Into UK Role in Gaza War
20 hours ago
An Unknowing Fresno County Gave Community Medical $2.7M While Hospital Engaged in Kickback Scheme
16 hours ago
Wall Street Ends Higher as Investors Track Progress of US-China Trade Talks
18 hours ago
Israel Strikes Hodeidah Port, Threatens Naval, Air Blockade
18 hours ago
Britain and Allies Sanction Israeli Far-Right Ministers for ‘Inciting Violence’
19 hours ago
Trump Aide Criticizes Mexican President on Los Angeles Protests
19 hours ago
Israeli Gunfire Kills 17 People Near Gaza Aid Site, Health Officials Say
20 hours ago
Parliament Member Corbyn Calls for Inquiry Into UK Role in Gaza War
20 hours ago
An Unknowing Fresno County Gave Community Medical $2.7M While Hospital Engaged in Kickback Scheme
16 hours ago
Wall Street Ends Higher as Investors Track Progress of US-China Trade Talks
18 hours ago
Israel Strikes Hodeidah Port, Threatens Naval, Air Blockade
18 hours ago
Britain and Allies Sanction Israeli Far-Right Ministers for ‘Inciting Violence’
19 hours ago
Trump Aide Criticizes Mexican President on Los Angeles Protests
19 hours ago
Israeli Gunfire Kills 17 People Near Gaza Aid Site, Health Officials Say
20 hours ago
Parliament Member Corbyn Calls for Inquiry Into UK Role in Gaza War
20 hours ago
Arizona Governor Vetoes Bill to Ban Teaching Antisemitism in Arizona’s Public Schools
13 hours ago
Categories

Arizona Governor Vetoes Bill to Ban Teaching Antisemitism in Arizona’s Public Schools

US Rep. LaMonica McIver Indicted on Federal Charges From Skirmish at New Jersey Immigration Center

US Military Bases to Restore Names Changed After Racial Justice Protests, Trump Says

An Unknowing Fresno County Gave Community Medical $2.7M While Hospital Engaged in Kickback Scheme

Wall Street Ends Higher as Investors Track Progress of US-China Trade Talks

Israel Strikes Hodeidah Port, Threatens Naval, Air Blockade
