“Coke” In Red Bull?

Hong Kong health officials released last 2nd of June a laboratory analysis claiming that Red Bull Cola, Red Bull Sugar-free and Red Bull Energy Drink has tiny amounts of cocaine, a stimulant drug. Taiwanese officials also pulled out 18,000 cases in the market of the said energy drink. Hong Kong’s Center for Food Safety claimed that they found between 0.1 and 0.3 micrograms of the banned substance per liter.

Also, Germany’s Food and Safety Department declared that from their analysis, 0.13 microgram of cocaine per can were found but stated that it will not pose a serious health risk—but according to them “it was enough to cause concern.” Banning the said energy drink will create a debate since the levels of cocaine per can are small. Also, Red Bull officials claimed that Red Bull products with coca leaf extract are safe according to US and Europe standards.

Red Bull is one of the world’s leaders in energy drink market. They have organized different sporting events all over the world—from the mixed martial arts world especially Muay Thai, Extreme Sports like FMX and the different MTB Downhill leagues. Red Bull originated from Thailand’s energy drink called Krating Daeng—literal equivalent of the word Red Bull in Thai.

photo by Rolf Vennenbernd