According to a new report from the Associated Press, WWE Superstar and YouTuber Logan Paul’s PRIME energy drink, is said to contain elevated levels of caffeine at 200 milligrams per 12 ounces, equivalent to about half a dozen Coke cans or nearly two Red Bulls.
PRIME energy drink was also founded with Paul by English YouTuber, rapper, and boxer Olajide Olayinka Williams “JJ” Olatunji, who is better known professionally as KSI.
Also according to AP, the energy drink which has earned viral popularity among children, is now facing scrutiny from lawmakers and health experts over potentially dangerous levels of caffeine.
On Sunday, Sen. Charles Schumer, a Democrat from New York, has now called on the Food and Drug Administration to investigate PRIME. “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.”
PRIME, which is advertised as zero sugar and vegan, the neon-colored cans are among a growing number of energy drinks. The notes, however, that when PRIME launched in 2022, there were long lines at grocery stores and reports of resale markets taking place at school yards.
The high caffeine content prompted bans from some schools in the United Kingdom and Australia where some pediatricians warned of possible health impacts on young children such as heart problems, anxiety, and digestive issues.
PRIME company representatives have defended the product, as the labels on the bottles are clearly labeled “not recommended for children under 18.” PRIME has also previously stated that they also sell a separate sports drink – PRIME Hydration, which is 100 percent caffeine free. The Associated Press said that representatives from PRIME did not immediately return a request for comment.
However, in his letter to the FDA, Schumer claimed there is 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.”
Schumer further wrote in his statement – “A simple search on social media for Prime will generate an eye-popping amount of sponsored content, which is advertising…this content and the claims made should be investigated, along with the ingredients and the caffeine content in the Prime energy drink.”
The PRIME energy drink was featured sponsor with Paul at WrestleMania 39 Night 1, as the PRIME energy drink mascot came out as part of Paul’s ring introduction prior to his match against Seth Rollins at the event. The mascot was also featured during the match as it was revealed that co-founder of the drink, KSI disguised himself as the mascot, only to be put through a table from a frog splash by Paul, when it was intended for Rollins.