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German States Ban Red Bull Over Cocaine Traces

Nationwide ban likely; drink-maker protests

By Sam Biddle,  Newser Staff

Posted May 25, 2009 3:02 PM CDT

(Newser) – Regulators in the German states of Hesse and North-Rhine Westphalia banned the sale of Red Bull after finding traces of cocaine during tests, the Telegraph reports. Levels of the chemical were not high enough to pose a health risk, but require the drink to be reclassified as a narcotic under German law. A nationwide ban will likely follow.

The manufacturer of Red Bull has rejected the ban as baseless, claiming that “de-cocainized (sic) extract of coca leaf is used worldwide in foods as a natural flavoring,” and pointed out that coca leaf extract is considered safe for use as an additive within the EU and the US.

Red Bull will likely receive a nationwide ban in Germany after running afoul of food safety regulations in two German states.
Red Bull will likely receive a nationwide ban in Germany after running afoul of food safety regulations in two German states.
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
DeniseVB
May 27, 2009 1:10 AM CDT
I've always wanted to try this stuff...........great ad campaign :p
Jezze
May 26, 2009 10:56 AM CDT
what a bullshit story.
sailor86
May 26, 2009 7:48 AM CDT
I can quit whenever I want to...

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