‘Dangerous’: Medical experts warn against Prime Energy drinks
Prime Energy drinks are banned in Australia for very good reason - but they are still readily available online.
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Medical experts have warned parents against shopping online for the highly-caffeinated drink Prime Energy for their children, saying it is “dangerous”.
Although the drink has been banned in Australia, it is advertised online on Australian and global distributors.
A quick online search shows various flavoured Prime Energy drinks for sale at $9.99 or $27.95 for a pack of four cans from fancycandy.com.au and mrsupplement.com.au.
The canned drink, which was launched globally in January 2022 by YouTubers and boxers Logan Paul and KSI (real name Olajide Olatunji), has been banned in Australia since it landed on our shores early this year due to its high caffeine content.
Strict regulations under regulatory body Food Standards Australia New Zealand state that energy drinks should not contain more than 32mg of caffeine per 100ml. A 350ml can of Prime Energy contains 200mg of caffeine – double the limit allowed.
However, its sister drink Prime Hydration, is available for purchase in Australian retailers.
“I understand that there is a flourishing black market for these drinks, especially amongst young people,” The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners president Dr Nicole Higgins said.
“My message to anyone thinking about trying a Prime Energy drink is to stay well clear of them. They are banned in Australia for a reason – that level of caffeine can be very dangerous.”
By law, the regulation of food in Australia is a joint responsibility of the Commonwealth and the states and territories.
“Food Standards Australia New Zealand is responsible for the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, which is a set of bi-national standards for food made under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991,” a Therapeutic Goods Administration spokesperson said.
“State and territory government food authorities and local councils enforce the Code, deal with complaints about food and investigate food safety issues through their respective legislation.”
Monash University Accident Research Centre has revealed that for the period July 2017 to June 2022, there were 32 cases of people attending hospital emergency departments in Victoria due to consuming energy drinks, with 14 of the patients admitted for further treatment.
The ages of these patients ranged from 1-59 years old. Children aged 10 or less had “allergic reactions”, while those aged 15 and over had reactions such as dizziness and agitation. Some had mixed them with other drugs causing poisonings or overdoses.
A 2016 study from the University of Adelaide found a direct link between energy drink consumption and hospital admissions due to adverse heart reactions, including a fast heartbeat and heart palpitations.
The Prime Energy website and the product packaging contains a warning: “Drink Responsibly. Not recommended for children under 18 years of age, people sensitive to caffeine, pregnant women or women who are nursing”.
Aussies who see Prime Energy drinks being unlawfully sold have been advised to direct your complaint to the relevant agency in each state or territory at www.foodstandards.gov.au/about/foodenforcementcontacts.
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