Health Canada Announces Recall of Beverages Marketed to “Vulnerable Population”

Health Canada has advised consumers not to purchase Chaotic Beverages sold under the brand names Mind Strike, Fearocity, Elixir of Tenacity, and Power Pulse “because they are unauthorized products marketed to a vulnerable population (children) with ingredients that may pose a health risk.” According to an agency press release, “The drinks are tied to a trading card game, animated TV series and website,” but contain unknown amounts of caffeine, “several herbs . . . not included in Health Canada’s list of botanicals with a history of safe use in children,” and unacceptably high levels of taurine, niacin and vitamin A. Power Pulse also allegedly contains “chromium picolinate at levels of possible concern in a product taken by children.”

Meanwhile, manufacturer and importer U&ME Marketing has reportedly agreed to reformulate its products by removing all the herbs, taurine and niacin. “At the time of the recall, we had been approved by Health Canada for a site license and were in the process of applying for a Natural Health Product certification,” a spokesperson was quoted as saying. “We regret any alarm this has caused with our customers and consumer base, and wish to assure everyone that we are taking the necessary steps to reformulate Chaotic beverages to the standards of Health Canada.” See Health Canada Press Release, November 5, 2009; FoodNavigator-USA.com, November 9, 2009.