A POTENTIAL investigation by a major US food agency into an energy drink popular with young Islanders is being closely monitored by Jersey’s public health director – who has urged parents to be wary of the highly caffeinated beverages.
Professor Peter Bradley said that he was aware of a request by New York Senator Chuck Schumer for the Food and Drug Agency to investigate Prime Energy, which contains around 200mg of caffeine – the same as two double espressos.
The product, created by YouTube celebrities KSI and Logan Paul, proved to be an instant hit with the Island’s schoolchildren when it went on sale earlier this year. The popularity of the drink has been fuelled by exposure on various social-media platforms.
Professor Bradley said he was aware of Senator Schumer’s request. ‘I would possibly advise parents, especially of younger children, that they do need to be aware of the caffeine content in these drinks,’ he said.
‘What we would like to do is see how this debate develops, certainly if the UK begin to look at this as a potential topic. It is something we are going to follow quite closely.’
He added: ‘Whenever there is an international request to investigate a food or any other product, it is always of interest to us.
‘We are very fortunate, living on an island, where these things are made very clear to us through various routes – it would be very unusual for us not to be aware of a risk when it is on the Island.’
