Recall Alert: CFIA Flags Violations in 6 Energy Drinks for Excessive Caffeine

In July 2023, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) made a significant announcement regarding the recall of six energy drinks. The reason for this recall is a violation of the Food and Drug Regulations, specifically linked to product labelling, composition, and failure to meet ingredient-related guidelines. Of particular concern is the surpassing of the approved caffeine limit of 180 mg per single serving, which these products exceeded.

As reported by CTV News, the affected energy drinks, which have fallen short of these regulations, include 3D Alphaland energy drink, 5-hour Energy, Celsius dietary supplement, GFuel energy drink, Sting, and Prime energy drink. As a result of these violations, the manufacturers of these products are obligated to remove the non-compliant drinks from the Canadian market and the current product status is set to “Do not consume, use, sell, serve or distribute recalled products.” To learn more about the affected brands, please visit Health Canada’s - Food Recall Warning.

This incident highlights the significant importance of accurate labelling and strict adherence to the Food and Drug Regulations. Similar to other supplemented products, energy drinks are subject to the Supplemented Food Product Regulations. As such, it's essential that these products follow the designated maximum limits for the supplemented ingredients they contain. Additionally, these products must include appropriate risk statements, as determined by their specific product category and the added supplemented ingredient. To comply with regulatory requirements, supplemented food products must also contain a compliant Supplemented Food Facts table, along with translations of essential label information in French.

We strongly recommend that all concerned parties take a proactive stance by seeking out regulatory guidance support. This proactive approach plays a pivotal role in preventing potential financial setbacks linked to recall processes and other enforcement measures. It's crucial to recognize that non-compliance with these regulations can lead to serious consequences, ranging from the suspension of licenses and financial penalties to legal actions and even the confiscation of products.

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