Kids beverages recalled over health risks
Last Updated: Thursday, November 5, 2009 | 4:29 PM ET
CBC News
Chaotic Beverages are being recalled because they contain ingredents not listed on the label. (Health Canada)Several beverages tied to a youth trading-card game contain ingredients that could harm kids and should not be consumed, Health Canada has warned.
The brightly coloured canned drinks are made by Chaotic Beverages and have not been assessed for safety, quality and efficacy, the agency said in a release.
The drinks — Mind Strike, Fearocity, Elixir of Tenacity and Power Pulse — were launched in May as "consumable entertainment," linked to the Chaotic trading-card game and popular animated TV series.
The beverages were "inspired by creatures and game play" and are described on the Chaotic website as "nutrient-infused, natural health products with no artificial colours or flavours."
However, Health Canada found ingredients that were either not listed or in concentrations that are considered dangerous for children.
- Mind Strike contains an unknown amount of caffeine, despite advertising that it is not an energy drink. It also contains several herbs that have not been designated as safe for children.
- Fearocity, besides caffeine and herbs, also contains taurine at an unacceptable level for children, and niacin at a level three times higher than that recommended for children aged one to 13 years.
- Elixir of Tenacity contains vitamin A at a level unacceptable for children aged one to eight years.
- Power Pulse contains chromium picolinate, a supplement used to treat a chromium deficiency.
The Canadian importer, U Marketing, has initiated a Canada-wide recall of all four brands.
No reports of adverse reactions have been received, said Health Canada.
