The Facts
US Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Sunday called on the Food and Drug Admin. (FDA) to investigate Prime — an energy drink founded by YouTube celebrities Logan Paul and KSI — over its potentially dangerous levels of caffeine.
Prime, which has become a sensation among the influencers' young fans, is advertised as vegan and with zero sugar, however, it does contain 200mg of caffeine per 12oz — equivalent to about six Coke cans or two Red Bulls.
The Spin
Narrative A
The Prime Energy drink is banned in Australia due to its dangerously high caffeine levels, but third-party sellers use workarounds to sell these products to children. Given the viral popularity of the beverage among impressionable young people, the FDA needs to give this product a close review.
Narrative B
While some may not like it, Prime specifically differentiates its energy drink, which is in a can, from its hydration product, which is in a bottle. It also clearly labels its caffeinated product as not safe for those under 18 and abides by every other regulation imposed by the FDA. This product carefully follows set rules.