Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has urged regulators to launch an investigation into an energy drink endorsed by popular YouTubers KSI and Logan Paul. Schumer alleges that the beverage, known as Prime Energy, is being irresponsibly marketed towards children despite its high caffeine content.
Containing 200mg of caffeine per can, Prime Energy boasts double the caffeine level found in its competitor, Red Bull. While each can bears a warning advising against consumption by children under the age of 18, Schumer contends that the drink is cleverly packaged and promoted in a manner that closely resembles a caffeine-free alternative from the same brand.
Senator Schumer expressed concern that some parents had unwittingly purchased the caffeinated beverage for their children due to the misleading packaging. He stressed the need for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to thoroughly investigate Prime Energy, condemning its excessive caffeine content and its marketing strategies that target young audiences on social media platforms.
“At just 12 ounces Prime has an eye-popping level of caffeine and that’s giving parents and doctors the jitters for the kids that are targets. Here’s the other problem, most parents haven’t even heard of this stuff that their kids are begging for,” Schumer said at the Sunday press conference in New York.
“The FDA must investigate PRIME for its absurd caffeine content and its marketing targeting kids on social media,” Schumer tweeted, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
The call for regulatory action comes amidst growing concerns regarding the potential health risks associated with energy drinks, particularly when consumed by young individuals. As the debate surrounding the advertising and sale of these beverages to minors intensifies, the spotlight is now on Prime Energy and its marketing tactics employed by high-profile influencers in the digital realm.
