Senator Calls on FDA to Investigate High Caffeine Content in Logan Paul’s PRIME Energy Drinks

Senator Charles Schumer of New York has raised concerns about PRIME, the energy drink founded by YouTubers Logan Paul and KSI. The drink, which has been extensively marketed to the social media figures’ young audience, contains concerning caffeine levels equivalent to six cans of Coke or two Red Bulls, according to Associated Press. Now, Schumer wants the Food and Drug Administration to investigate what he has called a “cauldron of caffeine.”

PRIME hides its potential danger behind marketing that brands the drink as zero sugar and vegan, despite holding 200 milligrams of caffeine per 12 ounces. “A simple search on social media for Prime will generate an eye-popping amount of sponsored content, which is advertising,” Schumer wrote in his address to the FDA, shared on Sunday. “This content and the claims made should be investigated, along with the ingredients and the caffeine content in the Prime energy drink.”

“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 wrote. The product, according to company representatives, wears a label that reads: “Not recommended for children under 18.” Still, schools in the United Kingdom and Australia have instituted bans on the drinks, with pediatricians citing concerns about the potential impact on heart health, anxiety, and digestion.

PRIME also sells a separate sports drink that does not contain caffeine. Schumer, however, has pointed out that there is little to no noticeable difference in the marketing of PRIME and Prime Hydration, the caffeine-free variation.

Paul boasts 23.6 million subscribers on YouTube, while his co-founder KSI has 16.2 million subscribers. Earlier this year, PRIME was named the official sports drink of the UFC, replacing BodyArmor after six years.