FDA needs to probe caffeine-packed PRIME energy drink targeting kids: Schumer

August 2024 · 3 minute read

Explore More

The wildly popular energy drink PRIME should be investigated by the FDA for marketing its potentially dangerous “cauldron of caffeine’’ to kids, Sen. Chuck Schumer said Sunday.

A single 12-ounce can of the flashy energy drink — peddled by powerhouse influencers including Logan Paul — packs more caffeine than nearly two Red Bulls or about a six-pack of Coke, according to the New York Democrat.

“One of the summer’s hottest status symbols for kids is not an outfit, is not a toy — it’s a beverage,” Schumer told reporters at a Manhattan press conference.”But buyer and parents beware, because it’s a serious health concern for the kids it so feverishly targets.

“PRIME is born from the wheels of social media and the enigmatic world of influencers,” the pol said. “Kids see it on their phone as they scroll, and then they actually have a need for it. And the problem here is that the product has so much caffeine in it that it puts Red Bull to shame.

PRIME’s energy drink may need more warning labels, according to US Sen. Chuck Schumer on Sunday. Getty Images
Sen. Schumer said Sunday that he wants the FDA to determine if the energy drink PRIME is harmful to children and teenagers because of its “eye-popping level” of caffeine. James Keivom

“Most parents haven’t even heard of this stuff that their kids are begging for,” Schumer said. “But kids have heard about it because of this advertising campaign.”

The colorfully-packaged-drink company was founded by Paul and fellow YouTube star KSI and features kid-friendly flavors such as Ice Pop, Tropical Punch and Strawberry Watermelon — along with a discreet warning label on its energy drinks saying they are not recommended for consumers under 18.

But Schumer said the warning gets lost in the ad campaign for the energy drink, which he described in a press release as containing a “caldron of caffeine.”

The caffeine-packed drink should be “giving parents and doctors the jitters,” Schumer said.

He said a 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola has 34 mg of caffeine and a 12-ounce can of the energy boost drink Red Bull has roughly 114 mg — but a 12-ounce PRIME can is laced with 200 mg of caffeine.

In a letter to FDA Administrator Robert Califf, Sen. Schumer said he wants the agency to examine health claims by the energy drink PRIME. REUTERS

“This is an eye-popping level of caffeine for a young kid’s body,” he said.

In a recent letter to FDA Administrator Robert Califf, Schumer asked the agency to examine health claims by PRIME’s energy drink and its influencer ad campaign and determine whether the can should carry more warnings.

He also wants the FDA to investigate whether the level of caffeine in the PRIME drink is safe for children.

Dr. Edith Brancho Sanchez, a pediatrician from Columbia University’s Irving Medical Center who joined Schumer at Sunday’s announcement, echoed the pol’s concerns.

Sen. Schumer said Sunday that the PRIME energy drink contains a “cauldron of caffeine.” James Keivom
A can of PRIME energy drink peddled by social-media influencers Logan Paul and KSI has significantly more caffeine than Red Bull or Coca-Cola, Sen. Schumer said Sunday. In Pictures via Getty Images

“I think it is no secret and you don’t need a doctor to tell you that these drinks are giving you a boost,” Sanchez said. “They are stimulating you, but they are not giving you energy.

“This is not a good night’s sleep followed by a nutritious meal,” she said. “What this drink is giving you is a caffeine rush. It is a high followed by a crash.”

Officials at PRIME did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Post.

ncG1vNJzZmimqaW8tMCNnKamZ2Jlf3R7j3BmaXFfm7Giec2enJ2rXam8brzRqJmeZZOWs6exyKecZqiRmLimsIypqaKllWKyr7HRoLBmnKKeu6x505qpoJ2knruoecqim6xlo5i1trnEq2Y%3D