NAFDAC Issues Warning: Avoid Recalled High-Caffeine Energy Drink

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning, urging consumers to steer clear of G Fuel brand Energy Drinks due to their significantly high caffeine content. This alert comes as the energy drink, produced by T & E Imports and GPAE Trading Corp, has been subjected to recalls in various countries.

Caffeine, the most widely used stimulant globally, has raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with the excessive consumption of these energy drinks.

In a public alert marked as No. 034/2023, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, highlighted the issue and advised the public to exercise caution when it comes to these high-caffeine beverages.

NAFDAC became aware of the recall of this product through notifications from the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Adeyeye emphasized the adverse effects that may result from consuming products with such high caffeine levels, including headaches, insomnia, irritability, and nervousness. Notably, even individuals who are sensitive to caffeine could experience these effects at remarkably low consumption levels.

In her cautionary message, the NAFDAC Director-General specifically addressed pregnant women, urging them to avoid these products. The consumption of excessive caffeine has been linked to the risk of miscarriage and the potential for low birth weight.

Adeyeye also drew attention to the absence of cautionary statements on these products, which fail to limit the number of servings per day. Of further concern is the fact that these products are available for purchase online.

She added, “The product is not registered by NAFDAC, which implored consumers and retailers to refrain from using, selling, serving, or distributing the implicated product.”

NAFDAC has encouraged the public to report any instances of suspicious distribution and sale of potentially unsafe packaged food products to their nearest NAFDAC office. Furthermore, both healthcare professionals and patients are urged to report any adverse events or side effects associated with the consumption of substandard NAFDAC-regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office.

NAFDAC has made reporting accessible through its E-reporting platforms, which can be found on the NAFDAC website or via the Med-safety application, available for download on Android and iOS stores.

A 2021 article published in the PubMed Central journal highlighted the broader impact of caffeine intake on various demographics, not limited to adults. It was emphasized that excess caffeine consumption can have detrimental effects on people with hypertension, children, adolescents, and the elderly. While caffeine is commonly consumed to enhance alertness, combat fatigue, and boost focus and concentration, overindulgence in caffeine can pose a risk to one’s health.

The alert from NAFDAC serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring and regulating the consumption of high-caffeine products, especially those that have not received regulatory approval.