The recall of a highly caffeinated energy drink, Prime Energy has flickered concerns about how these products ended up on Canadian shelves although violating Canadian health regulations. Prime Energy comprising 200 milligrams of caffeine, recently recalled due to exceeding health Canada’s limit by 180 milligrams of caffeine, announced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). This recall also comprises other brands of energy drinks, and raises questions about the implementation of regulations and the accountability of distributors and manufacturers.
Glenford Jameson, food law expert, suggested that the exported items that violate health regulations are often by foreign manufacturers who are not aware of the rules. The unfamiliarity with the limits of certain food additives, including caffein that are not consistent between Canada and other countries, as the United States. He went on to say that it is the responsibility of the distributor to limit access to these products. However, this can be difficult with e-commerce, as stubborn big online retailers struggle to follow regulations in the past, although advances have been archived to ensure compliance with each country’s standards.
Another common method for non – complient products to enter Canadian territory is through a third country, were a manufacturer sells the products to a different territory, from where a merchant or a distributor, without informing the manufacturer exports them to Canada. Without the manufacturer’s knowledge, products entering Canada spirals a difficult problem as accountability and traceability are compromised.
Prime Energy cans with 200 milligrams of caffeine intended for the U.S market, presence in Canada raises fears about the method that they managed to reach store shelves. Prime Energy claims the availability of a Canadian version with 140 milligrams of caffeine, but no explanation has been provided for the existence of the higher – caffeine cans.
Enforcing requirements established by the CFIA, is the responsibility of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the sheer capacity of goods entering Canada daily presents a challenge in enforcing regulations at the border. However, CFIA is often sensitive and does not spend much time on low-risk products such as Prime Energy, the lack of proactive enforcement may have an impact on the effectiveness of regulations.
Research has indicated that energy drinks may be associated with negative health effects, which may include insomnia, anxiety, irregular heart rhythms and even death. The weight on the importance of raising awareness on the danger of these drinks among parents has proven crucial in promoting the corrective actions through complains and proper retribution and informed consumption decisions.
