Signage is seen outside of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) headquarters in White Oak, Maryland, August 29, 2020.
Andrew Kelly | Reuters
WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration will address concerns raised by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer a couple of caffeinated energy drink popular amongst teens.
An agency spokesperson said it “is reviewing the concerns” outlined in Schumer’s letter to FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf concerning the dangers of Prime Energy, a beverage founded by YouTube stars Logan Paul and KSI.
The caffeinated type of the drink comprises almost six times more caffeine than a normal 12 oz. can of Coca-Cola, in line with Schumer, D-N.Y., who argues that physicians are concerned about its effects on kids’ health.
Prime Energy isn’t intended for anyone under the age of 18, in line with an organization representative. But Schumer says it’s marketed toward that demographic on social media. Founders Paul and KSI also attract a younger fanbase.
The drink also “complied with all FDA guidelines before hitting the market,” the corporate representative said.
In a press release, the FDA said healthy adults can devour as much as 400 mg of caffeine a day “without dangerous, negative health effects,” but there is no such thing as a set level for kids. Prime Energy boasts 200 mg of caffeine.
Pediatricians advise against the consumption of caffeine for kids under 12 “and against any use of energy drinks for all children and teenagers,” in line with the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
“We encourage caregivers and families to read a product’s label before giving the product to their child,” the FDA said. “Consumers should take care when consuming for the primary time a latest packaged food containing added caffeine if the quantity of caffeine within the food isn’t declared on the label.”
–CNBC’s Annika Kim Constantino contributed to this report.
