Schumer urges probe into Logan Paul and KSI energy drink’s caffeine levels.

Sen. Chuck Schumer Calls for FDA Investigation into PRIME Energy Drink

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate PRIME, a popular beverage company, for its energy drink that allegedly targets children with high levels of caffeine. Schumer expressed his concerns during a press conference on Sunday, where he announced his intention to send a letter to the FDA.

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

The Rise of PRIME

PRIME, founded by UFC fighters and social media personalities Logan Paul and J.J. Olatunji (KSI), has gained significant popularity since its establishment in 2022. In January 2023, it became the official drink of the UFC and is now widely available in the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe. The brand’s fame skyrocketed this spring when Paul and Olatunji orchestrated several staged scenes with fans, generating media attention and further boosting its reputation.

With 1.7 million followers on Instagram and nearly 395,000 followers on Twitter, PRIME has successfully built a strong online presence. Logan Paul boasts 6.7 million Twitter followers and 25.9 million Instagram followers, while J.J. Olatunji has 8.8 million Twitter followers and 12.9 million Instagram followers.

Product Line and Controversy

PRIME offers two products, PRIME Hydration and PRIME Hydration+ Sticks, which are caffeine-free and marketed as muscle recovery beverages due to their electrolyte and antioxidant content.

However, PRIME Energy, another product in their lineup, contains a staggering 200 milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce can. This amount is nearly six times the caffeine found in a can of Coca-Cola and three times that of a can of Red Bull of the same size.

While Schumer’s primary concern is the lack of distinction in PRIME’s marketing between its various products, the company’s FAQ page on their website includes a Disclaimer stating that the caffeinated product “is not recommended for children under the age of 18, women who are pregnant or nursing, or individuals who are sensitive to caffeine.”

“This is eyepopping levels of caffeine for a child’s body, [and] because the product is billed as a hydration and sports drink in its other near-identical form, kids are likely to ingest cans of this stuff with parents unaware — and that’s a recipe for disaster,” Schumer emphasized.

Call for FDA Investigation

In his letter to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, Schumer requested an investigation into PRIME’s health claims, social media marketing strategy, product warnings and labeling, and the safety of 200 milligrams of caffeine for children.

“I urge your agency to investigate PRIME for its overall claims, its marketing and the caffeine content, and to seriously consider PRIME’s target market of children as part of any investigation,” Schumer wrote.

For more information, click here to visit The Washington Examiner.

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