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, the AP reports. 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 effects on young children such as heart problems, anxiety, and digestive issues.
The FDA said in a statement Monday that it was reviewing Schumer's letter and would respond to the senator directly. A company representative said their energy drink, which comes with a warning label that it is "not recommended for children under 18," contains a comparable level of caffeine to other competitors. The rep also noted the company sells a separate sports drink, PRIME Hydration, which contains no caffeine at all. 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."
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