Warning issued for energy drink popular with fitness influencers

CTV National News: Canada's caffeine deficiency The CFIA is continuing its crackdown on highly caffeinated energy drinks that exceed the legal amount. Jill Machyson explains.

All flavours of Alani Nu energy drinks are under a warning from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) on Wednesday.

The drinks, which are sold across Canada, should not be consumed, served or distributed, the agency says, due to no bilingual labelling and caffeine content.

"Consumers need to look for both (caffeine and no bilingual labels) in order to identify the affected, non-compliant products," a CFIA spokesperson told CTVNews.ca in an email.

The brand is popular with celebrities like Kim Kardashian and social media fitness influencers.

The beverages could be sold at various stores including Costco, GNC, Popeyes Supplements, Independent Grocer, Loblaws and more, according to the Canadian Alani Nu website.

The drinks also have been imported from other countries and sold in stores and online.

"There are additional Alani Nu products available in Canada that meet Canadian requirements and are not affected by the warning," the CFIA says in a statement.

Alani Nu drinks are advertised as low-calorie with zero sugar and have 200 milligrams of caffeine per can — the equivalent of six cans of Coke or two Red Bulls."High levels of caffeine may have adverse health effects for children, pregnant individuals, breastfeeding individuals, and those sensitive to caffeine," the CFIA's warning reads.

"Some of the side effects of consuming excess caffeine may include insomnia, irritability, headaches, and nervousness."

There have been no reports of reactions from the product, the agency's website reads.

The CFIA issued the warning after a food safety investigation, which the agency says could lead to further recalls or warnings.

This comes just as the CFIA recalled numerous other energy drinks for not complying with caffeine content and labelling requirements.

Previous recalls include "Bang: Potent Brain and Body Fuel," "C4" energy drink, "Cocaine" energy supplement, "Fast Twitch" energy drink, "Ghost" energy drink and "Ryse Fuel" energy drink.

Earlier in July, six other caffeinated drinks, including one backed by American social media personality Logan Paul, were recalled.

"Prime" energy drink, founded by Paul and fellow YouTuber KSI, "3D Alphaland" energy drink, "5-hour Energy," "Celsius dietary supplement", "GFuel" energy drink and "Sting", which includes Vietnamese characters, were also recalled.