Public warned vs Red Bull drink over cocaine reports

MANILA, Philippines - Government on Thursday advised the public to temporarily refrain from drinking energy drink Red Bull after some its products in Austria tested positive for cocaine. In his report over "24 Oras," GMA News' Julius Segovia said The Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) already sent some Red Bull products to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for examinations. "As a matter of precautionary measure…refrain muna until we will issue a formal statement na ito ay walang cocaine content," BFAD Deputy Director Emilio Polig said. The test would last from three to five days, the report said. Despite the absence of an official order from the government, the Philippine Association of Supermarket (PASI) has already ordered for the pull out of Red Bull products. "'Yung merkado din ang iniisip namin kasi kami yung binibilan. Direct retailer kami," said PASI secretary general Federico Ples. Polig said that although Red Bull products in the country are manufactured in Thailand, Filipino consumers could not discount the possibility that some that came from Austia may have entered the country. PDEA public information chief Derik Carreon explained that cocaine is an upper or a stimulant drug that brings up the user’s senses. Energy Food and Drinks (EFD), the local distributor of Red Bull Energy Drink, declined to comment on the issue but admitted that it was surprised with the report. "...(EFD) cannot make any official comment on the issue as it is still waiting the official statement of TC Pharmaceutical Industries Co. Ltd., Bangkok, Thailand, the manufacturer of Red Bull Supreme Energy Drink regarding this matter," it said in a statement. - GMANews.TV