The Police Minister is warning businesses that are caught selling a dangerous and illegal caffeine drink called Prime could be prosecuted.
The overseas drink, which is partly owned by celebrities Logan Paul and KSI, has been sold to young children in New Zealand, with Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) saying retailers who continue to sell the drink could be slapped with a fine of up to $100,000, or more if harm occurs.
Prime energy drinks contain 200mg of caffeine per 335ml serving, which exceeds the allowed caffeine limit in New Zealand which is 320mg per litre.
To put that to scale, it's the equivalent of drinking two and a half Red Bull cans.
But despite being illegal, the drink has made its way from the US and UK, and onto New Zealand's shores.
Northcote Primary School principal Andrew Brown told AM a group of children, just nine and 10 years old, put their money together to purchase a can of the drink from their local shop.
He said parents were alarmed after reading overseas media coverage about the shocking effects the drinks are having on children and decided to let the school know.
In the UK, a child reportedly suffered a "cardiac episode" and was rushed to hospital to have their stomach pumped after drinking a can.
"One case is too many, so I'd hate to see any child in our school, or any school, affected by these drinks," Brown said.
According to Food Standards Australia New Zealand, children under 18 should have no more than 3mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight in a single serving.
Police Minister Ginny Andersen told AM MPI can prosecute those selling the drinks in New Zealand.
"If someone gets a warning and keeps selling a drink that has too much caffeine for the regulations then Ministry of Primary Industries get in contact with them, then a prosecution takes place if they don't cease to sell them," Andersen said.
MPI told Newshub most businesses and individuals will voluntarily comply but when they don't, officers take the next step which ranges from education and advice to enforcement action and prosecution.
"As a starting point for breaching the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, a body corporate can be fined up to $100,000 and an individual up to $20,000. Further costs apply depending on the situation, for example, if harm occurs," New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said.
Earlier Arbuckle told Newshub MPI has received complaints about the illegal sale of Prime energy drinks in New Zealand. They are following up on these and know of two sellers who have already removed the product from sale.
"Our investigations have indicated it has been made available in small amounts in New Zealand through online channels. This kind of online international trade is uniquely challenging for all regulators to manage as it involves small packages being sent direct to consumers," Arbuckle said. Gh
"In this case, we are talking to food safety authorities in the United States and the United Kingdom, where the company is based, asking for their assistance to ensure the company is compliant with New Zealand law. We are also working to ensure the company is aware of the issue. Where there is evidence of risk to the public, we will take action."
