The promise comes in the wake of a warning by Health Canada that consumers should avoid the four Chaotic Beverage brands because they contain ingredients that could pose a health hazard to children and had not been assessed for safety, quality and efficacy by the body.
“They are unauthorised products marketed to a vulnerable population (children) with ingredients that may pose a health risk,” said Health Canada of the Mind Strike, Fearocity, Elixir of Tenacity and Power Pulse drinks.
Unknown amounts of caffeine were highlighted as being of concern in two of the drinks, as were “several herbs” not included in Health Canada's list of botanicals with a history of safe use in children. The inclusion of unacceptably high levels of taurine, niacin and vitamin A for children was also highlighted. One beverage, Power Pulse, contains chromium picolinate at levels of possible concern for children, said Health Canada.
Reformulation promise
Canadian manufacturer and importer U&ME Marketing said all the drinks had been recalled between 26-30 October after it became aware of the safety watchdog’s unease. It also vowed to overhaul the formulation of the drinks.
“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 (NHP) certification,” said Darryl McDaniel of U&ME Marketing.
He said that the drink would be reformulated for the Canadian market by removing all the herbs, taurine and niacin. The beverages will become juice-based and non-carbonated. They will also be adapted to meet specific UK, European and Australian regulations.
“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 beverage to the standards of Health Canada,” said McDaniel.
The company said it expected to make the production changes within 60 days and that the reformulated product could be available to Canadian consumers again within 90 days. The drink was marketed at teenagers and not younger children, said McDaniel, explaining the reason for the original formulation.